The beautiful and intriguing Pablo Picasso Toros en Vallauris (Bulls in Vallauris), 1955 is one of the greatest examples of Picasso’s masterful manipulation of composition and space. The imagery here is that of a bullfight; our point of view comes from a seat in the stands overhead.

The composition of Pablo Picasso Bulls in Vallauris is divided down the center with a column, meant to represent the numerous columns found within the stands of a typical bull ring. The left side of the ring is under a bright sunlight and doused in a stunning canary yellow; the right side of the ring represents the portion of the stadium in shade and therefore colored in a deeper red. The dual-sided effect, therefore, allows the faces of the audience to appear to be directed toward the center of the action and engaged in the scene – in a sense, in movement.

Framed lithograph 

Limited edition of 600

September 28, 1955