Plate II, from the series Collection of the Main Actions in a Bullfight Antonio Carnicero (1748-1814)

The drawing presents a scene of controlled confrontation within what appears to be a bullring or similar enclosed space. A dark-colored bull dominates the right side of the composition, its massive form filling much of the visual field. Its stance suggests alertness and potential aggression, though it is currently restrained by a man holding a rope attached to its head.
To the left, another figure in traditional attire – a jacket with elaborate detailing and red trousers – appears to be guiding or controlling the bull’s movement. His posture conveys a sense of authority and practiced skill. He seems to be maintaining distance from the animal while directing it towards the central action.
The focal point is a man on horseback, positioned centrally within the scene. He holds a long lance pointed toward the bull, suggesting an imminent attack or test of strength. The horse appears well-trained and controlled, its rider displaying a posture of readiness and calculated precision. A small figure can be seen perched atop the bull’s back, adding another layer to the spectacle.
The composition is structured with clear lines delineating the enclosure, creating a sense of order within what would otherwise be a chaotic event. The color palette is muted, dominated by earth tones – browns, greens, and creams – which lend a certain formality and distance to the scene.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of power dynamics and human control over nature. The bull represents untamed force, while the figures demonstrate mastery through skill, tradition, and technology (the horse and lance). Theres an underlying tension between the potential for violence and the carefully orchestrated performance – a suggestion that this is not merely a struggle for survival but a ritualized display of dominance. The inclusion of the figure on the bull’s back introduces an element of spectacle and perhaps even mockery, hinting at the performative nature of the event itself.