Banderillas with firecrackers, plate 31 from The Art of Bullfighting Possibly 1814 - 1816

Francisco de Goya made this print, “Banderillas with firecrackers” using etching and aquatint techniques. The image is achieved by incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. It’s a process capable of capturing fine detail, but also well-suited to dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. This is heightened by the aquatint, lending tonal depth to the scene. The Art of Bullfighting series is not just a record of the spectacle, but also a commentary on Spanish society. Bullfighting was, and remains, a highly ritualized event, steeped in tradition and social meaning. Goya suggests the violence and emotional intensity of the bullring. The active participation of the crowd elevates the event from a simple fight to a symbolic drama, played out for a mass audience. Paying attention to the materials and context helps us see how Goya used printmaking not just as a means of reproduction, but as a way to engage with the culture of his time.