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

The scene depicts a moment of intense action within what appears to be a bullring. A large, dark-colored bull dominates the foreground, its head lowered in a threatening posture. The animals musculature is rendered with considerable detail, emphasizing its power and potential for aggression.
Mounted on horseback, a figure dressed in elaborate attire directs the course of events. He holds a long pole, likely used to guide or distract the bull. The horse itself appears agitated, rearing up on its hind legs, suggesting the precariousness of the situation. A second individual, clad in traditional dark clothing, stands nearby, seemingly observing and reacting to the unfolding drama. A swath of red fabric lies discarded on the ground, a common element associated with provoking bulls during these spectacles.
The composition is framed by a wooden barrier, which defines the arenas boundaries and creates a sense of enclosure. The background suggests a crowd beyond this barrier, though they are indistinct. The color palette is muted, primarily consisting of earth tones and greens, lending a somewhat formal or documentary quality to the depiction.
Beyond the literal representation of a bullfight, the image conveys themes of control versus chaos, tradition versus risk, and perhaps even the spectacle of human dominance over nature. The elaborate costumes and the carefully orchestrated movements suggest a ritualized performance, while the bull’s raw power hints at the inherent danger involved. The discarded cloth introduces an element of theatricality, reinforcing the idea that this is a staged event designed to elicit a response from both the animal and the audience.