Luis Mazzantini y eguia Circa 1900

Produced around 1900, this original Spanish illustrated document portrays José Luis Mazzantini y Eguía, one of the most celebrated bullfighters of the late nineteenth century. Drawn by Daniel Perea and printed in colour lithography by J. Palacios in Madrid, the work belongs to the rich visual culture that developed around Spanish bullfighting during this period.

Mazzantini is presented standing proudly in the arena, wearing an elaborately embroidered gold traje de luces. He holds a vivid red muleta and sword in one hand while raising the other in a dignified gesture toward the crowd. Behind him, the head of a bull emerges from the shadows, while hats and personal objects scattered across the sand add a theatrical narrative to the composition.

José Luis Mazzantini y Eguía (1856–1926) was admired for his imposing appearance, elegant manner and exceptional ability with the sword. After becoming a matador in Madrid in 1884, he enjoyed an important international career and helped introduce greater order into bullfighting through the drawing of lots to determine the sequence of the bulls. Following his retirement, he entered public life and served in several political and administrative positions.

Daniel Perea y Rojas (1834–1909) was a Spanish painter, illustrator and caricaturist particularly renowned for his depictions of bullfighting. Closely associated with the celebrated periodical La Lidia, he recorded the leading matadors, dramatic encounters and ceremonial traditions of the Spanish arena with remarkable precision. The lower margin identifies the Madrid printing establishment of J. Palacios at 27 Calle del Arenal.

With its monumental portrait, finely rendered costume and strong historical subject, this original illustrated document is particularly appealing to collectors of Spanish art, bullfighting history and nineteenth-century popular imagery. Its warm colours and striking vertical composition give it an impressive decorative presence while preserving the likeness of one of Spain’s legendary matadors.

Illustrated document

Corrida - Spain

Litho: J. Palacios - Tipolitografico

Good condition, traces of folds