#27966 Javier Clavo (1918-1994)

The composition presents a dynamic and fragmented scene, seemingly depicting a bullfight or similar ritualistic confrontation. Here we see a horse in mid-fall, its body contorted at an unnatural angle, suggesting a sudden and violent disruption of movement. The animals legs are splayed, one hoof raised as if reaching for purchase, while the rider is partially obscured by the horse’s form.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – ochre, yellow, and reddish-brown – which contribute to an atmosphere of intensity and potential danger. These hues contrast with the cooler grey and white used for the horses body, further emphasizing its vulnerability within the scene. The background appears as a flattened, circular arena or enclosure, delineated by concentric lines that create a sense of spatial compression.
Several symbolic elements are present. A horseshoe is visible near the fallen horse’s leg, representing both luck and the tools of horsemanship – now rendered useless in this moment of crisis. Scattered fragments of red fabric lie on the ground, likely remnants of a cape or other paraphernalia associated with the ritualistic combat. The bull itself is positioned to the right, its form partially obscured by shadow, suggesting an impending threat or a force that has instigated the chaos.
The artist’s use of distortion and fragmentation disrupts any sense of realistic representation. Figures are rendered in simplified forms, their anatomy exaggerated for expressive effect. This approach lends the scene a dreamlike quality, blurring the lines between reality and symbolic narrative. The overall impression is one of abrupt disruption, vulnerability, and the precariousness of control within a structured environment. It suggests themes of power, dominance, and the inevitable consequences of confrontation.