Sol y Sombra

Destino

The bull Destino (Bernaldo de Quirós), after its time in the ring with Ernesto Javier "Calita" in Plaza Mexico on December 10 of this year.

Ernesto Javier "Calita"

Ernesto Javier "Calita" capes his first bull, Destino (Bernaldo de Quirós) at Plaza Mexico, November 10, 2019.

 

Ernesto Javier "Calita"

Ernesto Javier "Calita," his cuadrilla, and the aguacil prepare to enter Plaza Mexico. Calita is lit by one of the many spotlights illuminating the long corridor leading to the bullring. (tap or click to enlarge)

Banderillas

One of the monosabios (assistants) at Plaza Mexico brings banderillas to a member of the cuadrilla of Ernesto Javier "Calita." Photographed on November 10 of this year.

Morante de la Puebla

A close up of Spanish matador Morante de la Puebla, as he awaits his entrance into Plaza Mexico.

Photographed on the afternoon of December 10, 2019.

Morante de la Puebla

Matador Morante de la Puebla awaits his entrance to Plaza Mexico on the afternoon of November 10, 2019.

Morante de la Puebla

At my recent shows in Mexico City and Guadalajara, I was frequently asked my opinions on different bullfighters.

My response was that each matador brought to mind a different word. Roca Rey: electrifying. José Tomás: purity. Morante de la Puebla: poetry.

La poesía describes Morante's sublime style. Often times it seems his passes are in slow-motion, his temple (passing the cape at just a certain speed to keep the bull at just a certain speed) is so perfect. His gesture, absence of gesture, or a raised or lowered hand, makes the difference between mechanics and poetry.

As a former matador who was sitting next to me commented (something is lost in memory and translation): "Many ears are cut, but artistry is rare."

Here is Morante passing his second bull, Agua Nieve, (Bernaldo de Quirós), from which he would be awarded an ear.

Photographed in Plaza Mexico on November 10 of this year.

Joselito Adame

Joselito Adame passes his first bull, Palomero (Bernaldo de Quirós). He would cut one ear from this excellent bull.

Joselito Adame

Joselito Adame, at Plaza Mexico, photographed on November 10 of this year.

Joselito Adame

Joselito Adame capes the bull, Venadito, (Bernaldo de Quirós), in Plaza Mexico, on November 10 of this year.

Capote Earrings

A lovely girl displays her capote (bullfight cape) earrings.

Photographed at Plaza Mexico on November 10 of this year.