The Way in which the Ancient Spaniards Hunted Bulls on Horseback in the Open Country - Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

A detailed etching from Goya's La Tauromaquia series, depicting a historical bull hunt on horseback with dramatic use of aquatint and line work.

This print belongs to the series La Tauromaquia, a collection of thirty-three etchings by Francisco Goya. The work depicts a historical method of bullfighting, where the matador engages the animal from horseback in an open field rather than the confined space of a modern bullring. Goya employs a combination of etching, aquatint, and drypoint to create a stark contrast between the figures and the barren, sun-scorched terrain.

The composition focuses on the physical tension between the horse, the rider, and the bull. The rider leans forward, his lance directed toward the animal, while the bull turns to meet the challenge. Goya uses aquatint to build tonal depth, suggesting the harsh light of the Spanish plains and the dust kicked up during the encounter. The figures are rendered with economy, yet the sense of motion and danger remains clear. The background is minimal, keeping the viewer focused on the immediate action of the hunt.

La Tauromaquia was published in 1816, reflecting Goya's interest in the history and cultural practices of Spain. Unlike his later, more phantasmagorical works, these prints demonstrate a precise observation of movement and anatomy. The artist captures the raw, unrefined nature of the sport as it existed in earlier centuries. This print provides a window into the evolution of bullfighting, documenting a tradition that was already becoming archaic by the time Goya produced these plates. The technical mastery of the etching process allows for a range of textures, from the coarse hide of the bull to the weathered appearance of the landscape.