Corrida aux personnages (A.R. 104)

Corrida aux personnagesdepicts one of Picasso’s favourite subjects of the bullfight, the Corrida, as it is known in Spanish. Picasso was a frequent spectator at the ringside during his time spent in the South of France and would attend with friends and family, celebrating what was to him a festive and ceremonial event. This example depicts the moment of surrender when the bull is defeated. The crowd, dressed for the occasion, look on in wonder from all sides of the arena, the circular stadium perfectly represented within the dimensions of a monumentally large, round plate. Once again, Picasso shows his ability to make the everyday seem extraordinary, bringing a scene of intense passion to life on this daily object of the plate; at the same time alluding to the ancient heritage of the ceramic medium in the palette and style of decoration.