Seville. Bullfights Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

The composition presents a dynamic scene within what appears to be a bullring or enclosed arena. Two bulls dominate the visual field; one is rendered predominantly in dark tones – black and deep brown – while the other displays a stark white coloration punctuated by patches of red, likely indicating blood. The darker bull seems to charge forward, its posture conveying aggression and power. The lighter bull appears to be reacting defensively, angled away from the charging animal with a visible tension in its musculature.
The artist has employed a loose, expressive brushstroke throughout, contributing to a sense of immediacy and raw energy. Color is used not for precise representation but rather to emphasize movement and emotional intensity. The limited palette – primarily blacks, whites, reds, browns, and touches of green – heightens the drama and focuses attention on the central conflict.
The wooden barriers that enclose the scene are depicted with broad strokes, suggesting a sense of confinement and emphasizing the bulls restricted space. These barriers also serve to frame the action, drawing the viewer’s eye towards the interaction between the animals. The background is largely indistinct, further isolating the bulls and intensifying their struggle.
Beyond the literal depiction of a confrontation, the painting evokes themes of primal instinct, dominance, and vulnerability. The contrast in coloration – dark versus light – could be interpreted as representing opposing forces or inherent natures. The confined space suggests a controlled environment masking underlying chaos. There is an undercurrent of melancholy present; the bulls struggle speaks to a larger narrative of conflict and perhaps even suffering. The work seems less concerned with celebrating spectacle than with exploring the visceral reality of this traditional practice.