FRANCISCO JOSE de GOYA Y LUCIENTES
Fuendetodos 1746-1828 Bordeaux
Pedro Romero matando a toro parado (1st edition), 1816
Pedro Romero Killing the Halted Bull
Etching, aquatint, drypoint and burin on laid paper (Plate 30 of La Tauromaquia)
245 x 355 mm.; 9 3/4 x 15 7/8 inches
Reference:
Delteil 253
Harris 233
Notes:
1. A very fine impression on laid papero f the 1st edition from 1816.
2. Pedro Romero (1754-1839), from Ronda in the province of Malaga, was one of the most famous bull-fighters of his times. Romero and his brother José in many ways were the creators of the modern art of bull-fighting, developing the classic tradition of the School of Ronda, founded by their father. Romero’s reserve and dignity contrasted sharply with the spectacular and exuberant styles of bull-fighters such as Martincho and Pépé Illo. At the time, Madrid was divided in two factions, one led by the Duchess of Alba, in favor of Romero, and the other led by the Duchess of Osuna who favored Pépé Illo. Goya knew both bull-fighters and Goya himself had been supported at various times by both the Duchess of Alba and the Duchess of Osuna who had been Goya’s earliest backer.