1934 Courses de taureaux (Corrida)1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a chaotic scene dominated by figures seemingly engaged in a ritualistic confrontation. Here we observe several elongated and fragmented forms, rendered with bold black outlines and punctuated by areas of white, grey, pink, yellow, and green. The overall effect is one of intense dynamism and visual distortion.
A central, dark mass appears to be the focal point – it could represent an animal, perhaps a bull, given the context implied by the work’s title. This form is not depicted realistically; instead, its anatomy is deconstructed into geometric planes and sharp angles. A lighter-colored figure, also fragmented and stylized, interacts with this central mass. Its posture suggests movement, possibly a defensive or aggressive stance.
Above these figures, a smaller, paler face peers down from an arched structure – the significance of this detail remains ambiguous; it could represent a spectator, a symbolic observer, or even a distorted self-portrait of the artist. The arch itself is rendered in yellow and pink hues, creating a sense of enclosure and theatricality.
The background is equally fragmented, with intersecting planes of color that contribute to the overall feeling of disorientation. A pink plane bisects the composition diagonally, further disrupting spatial coherence. The use of flattened perspective and overlapping forms denies any illusionistic depth.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of power, violence, and spectacle. The fragmented figures suggest a breakdown of traditional representation, perhaps reflecting a broader societal upheaval or questioning of established norms. The implied presence of a corrida – a bullfight – introduces elements of tradition, ritual, and inherent conflict. The distorted forms and chaotic composition could be interpreted as an expression of the anxieties and uncertainties of the era in which it was created. The work doesnt offer a straightforward narrative but rather evokes a visceral response through its unsettling visual language.