“The Speed and Daring of Juanito Apiñani in the Ring of Madrid” is an artwork by Francisco Goya created during the years 1815-1816. This piece is part of a series titled “Tauromaquia” and exhibits Goya’s skill in employing aquatint and etching techniques on paper. Reflecting the Romanticism movement, the artwork measures 24.5 by 35.5 cm and is categorized under the caricature genre, depicting a scene from the traditional Spanish bullfighting.
The artwork portrays an exceptional moment from the bullring. In the center of the composition, a bullfighter, presumably Juanito Apiñani as referred to by the artwork’s title, performs a sensational maneuver. He is suspended in mid-air, demonstrating both agility and courage, gripping a pole that is anchored into the ground for stability. The bull, captured in swift motion, charges forward right beneath the airborne matador, its horns just missing him. The risk and skill involved in this spectacle are evident to viewers.
Behind the barrier, the crowd of spectators can be observed, adding depth and context to the scene. Their faces display a variety of expressions, capturing the intensity and emotion of watching the dangerous sport unfold in front of them. The dark-toned etching enhances the drama and dynamism of the bullfight, conveying movement and the gravity of the event. Goya’s talent in composition and his ability to evoke the raw essence of the tauromaquia are palpable in this piece.
