1955 ScКne de tauromachie (Le picador soulevВ) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The composition presents a scene steeped in tradition and ritualistic violence, likely depicting elements of a bullfight. Here we see a central grouping dominated by a large bull, rendered with simplified forms and a palette largely restricted to browns, ochres, and blacks against a dark background. The animal’s musculature is suggested through broad planes of color rather than detailed anatomical rendering, contributing to its monumental presence.
To the left, a figure in red stands poised, holding what appears to be a lance or spear. This individuals features are obscured, reduced to essential lines and shapes, emphasizing their role within the larger spectacle rather than their individuality. A second figure, positioned centrally, is depicted being lifted or propelled upwards; this person’s posture suggests vulnerability and potential peril. The upward movement introduces a dynamic element into the otherwise static arrangement of forms.
Above the central action, a frieze-like band runs across the top edge of the canvas. This area contains a series of small, stylized figures – possibly spectators – rendered in a repetitive pattern. Their presence reinforces the sense of an established tradition and a collective witnessing of the event unfolding below. The uniformity of these figures suggests their anonymity within the larger cultural context.
The artist’s use of flattened perspective and fractured forms evokes a sense of detachment and abstraction, distancing the viewer from any sentimental engagement with the depicted violence. This stylistic choice may be interpreted as a commentary on the ritualistic nature of the bullfight itself – a spectacle that simultaneously fascinates and repels. The limited color range contributes to a somber mood, while the stark contrasts between light and shadow heighten the dramatic tension inherent in the scene.
Subtly, there’s an exploration of power dynamics at play. The bull embodies raw strength and untamed nature, while the human figures represent attempts at control and dominance – attempts that are fraught with risk and potential for disruption, as evidenced by the figure being lifted. The overall effect is one of controlled chaos, a visual representation of a tradition built upon inherent contradictions.