Morante de la Puebla has the uncanny ability to make something incredibly dangerous look incredibly elegant!
Here he passes the bull, Togado (ganadería Zalduendo), in Valladolid, Spain, during the bullfight in honor of Victor Barrio, held on September 4, 2016.
Juan José Padilla prepares to place banderillas.
Photographed on September 4, 2016 at the memorable corrida in homage of deceased matador Victor Barrio.
José Tomás, performing in Valladolid on September 4, 2016, in Valladolid, Spain, in a bullfight in honor of matador Victor Barrio.
This was the first, and so far, only time I have seen José Tomás perform. The word purity is what came to mind while watching him. The supreme seriousness and purity of his actions in the ring are unparalleled in modern bullfighting. Though his appearances are limited I hope to see him again soon!
I have seen El Juli perform quite a few times in Mexico, but have never seen him perform with the conviction he showed in Valladolid, Spain, on September 4, 2016, during the bullfight honoring Victor Barrio (see post from two days ago).
Performing in Valladolid, Spain, on September 4, 2016, in a bullfight in homage to Victor Barrio. (see the previous post)
On September 4, 2016, a bullfight was held in Valladolid, Spain, in homage to Victor Barrio, a matador killed in a Spanish bullring in July 2016. Six of Spain's top matadors performed, facing one bull each. The event was sold out, and each matador paid tribute to his widow who was present.
The mood was tremendously respectful, each bull came from a different breeder, and each matador gave an inspired performance.
One of the matadors was Alejandro Talavante, pictured below.