La Corrida

Hermine David

"La Corrida" (The Bullfight) was done in 1929, probably during David's trip to the Balearic Islands by way of Barcelona, Spain. The drama of the bullfight, viewed from high in the stands, is intensified by David's use of jet black shadows emanating from the bull and the matador, while the ring is bathed in bright light. To the right a group of matadors wait their turns.

David's use of drypoint line to create this complicated image is masterful. The viewer is drawn from the action in the foreground to the action in the stands, to the canvas and flags of the stadium walls blowing in the wind, on to the rugged mountains and finally the storm clouds forming overhead. You can feel the energy if you try.