1900 Courses de taureaux (Corrida)3 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a scene unfolding within a confined space, presumably an arena or bullring. A dominant earthy brown tone pervades the composition, punctuated by strokes of yellow and touches of red that suggest both light and drama. Here we see three figures engaged in what appears to be a ritualistic confrontation.
To the left, a dark figure on horseback dominates the view. The horse is rendered with broad, sweeping lines, emphasizing its bulk and power. Its rider’s posture suggests a degree of control, yet also a certain tension or apprehension. Adjacent to this pair stands another man, similarly mounted, though his form is less distinct, almost dissolving into the surrounding tones.
To the right, a solitary figure in a brown jacket with red accents faces away from the viewer. The vibrant red fabric provides a focal point and hints at the symbolic significance of the event – perhaps representing blood or passion. His stance conveys a sense of introspection or perhaps weary resignation.
The background is indistinct, composed of blurred shapes that evoke a crowd or architectural elements without offering specific details. This lack of clarity directs attention to the central figures and their interaction. The artist employed a limited palette and loose, expressive lines, which contribute to an atmosphere of immediacy and raw emotion.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of power, tradition, and perhaps even mortality. The bullfight itself is inherently laden with symbolism – a confrontation between man and beast, courage and danger, life and death. The artist’s choice to depict only a fragment of this spectacle, focusing on the human participants rather than the bull, suggests an interest in the psychological toll of such events, or perhaps a commentary on the ritualistic nature of performance itself. The muted colors and simplified forms lend a sense of timelessness, elevating the scene beyond a mere depiction of a specific event to a broader meditation on human drama.