They Loose Dogs on the Bull, plate 25 from The Art of Bullfighting Possibly 1814 - 1816

Francisco de Goya created this etching, "They Loose Dogs on the Bull," as part of his series "The Art of Bullfighting." Produced in Spain, likely between 1815 and 1816, this print captures a moment of high drama in the bullfighting arena. We see dogs unleashed upon the bull, a spectacle that highlights the violence inherent in this cultural tradition. The image invites us to consider the role of bullfighting within Spanish society, and the ways in which such spectacles reinforce class structures. Bullfighting was not merely entertainment; it was a highly ritualized event with deep social and political significance. To understand Goya's series, it is essential to consult historical records, journalistic accounts, and critical analyses of bullfighting's role in Spanish culture. Only then can we appreciate the full complexity of Goya's commentary on Spanish society.