Picador Fallen from His Horse (Collection of the Principal Maneuvers of a Bullfight) Antonio Carnicero (1748-1814)

The drawing presents a moment of dramatic upheaval within what appears to be a bullring or arena. Here we see a fallen figure, presumably a picador, sprawled on the ground amidst the chaos of a bullfight. The man is clad in traditional attire – a jacket with ornate detailing and a broad-brimmed hat – and lies entangled with his horse, which has also been thrown. A large bull dominates the composition, its powerful form looming over the fallen pair.
The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the animals musculature and the texture of their hides. The bull’s horns are prominently displayed, emphasizing its potential for aggression. The horse, though clearly distressed, retains a degree of anatomical accuracy. The picador’s posture suggests both vulnerability and an attempt at regaining control; his arms reach out, as if to ward off further attack or seek assistance.
The background is defined by a wooden fence, which serves to contain the action while also creating a sense of enclosure and heightened tension. The limited tonal range – achieved through hatching and cross-hatching techniques – contributes to a stark, almost documentary feel. This stylistic choice lends weight to the scenes immediacy and emphasizes the inherent danger of the spectacle.
Beyond the literal depiction of a bullfight incident, the drawing seems to explore themes of power, control, and vulnerability. The fallen picador represents a disruption of the established order; his fall challenges the perceived dominance of both man and horse over nature. The bull’s imposing presence underscores its untamed force, while the discarded lance lying near the picador hints at a failed attempt at mastery.
The compositions focus on this specific moment – the instant of upheaval – suggests an interest in portraying not just the spectacle itself but also the precariousness and potential for reversal inherent within it. The drawing invites contemplation about the risks undertaken in pursuit of tradition, and the fragility of human ambition when confronted with primal power.