Taurus, the Bull 1987

Boris Vallejo painted "Taurus, the Bull," likely with oils, creating a dramatic scene. The tension between man and beast is palpable. The composition is dominated by the muscular figure of the man locked in a struggle with the bull atop a rocky cliff, set against a blue sky. Vallejo’s hyper-realistic style and heroic portrayal of the male figure suggest a visual language rooted in classical mythology, but with a modern twist. The way the artist renders the muscular physique, contrasts sharply with the rugged and untamed form of the bull, creating a dynamic interplay between control and wildness. The formal structure, juxtaposing the figures against the expansive sky, sets up a symbolic relationship of strength, vulnerability, and dominance. The raw emotionality captured through the careful arrangement of shapes, colours, and forms, provides a powerful, albeit subjective, viewing experience. The visual structure evokes a sense of awe and primal energy, echoing classical narratives of heroism and conquest.