José Bergamín's Tauromachy: Art, Ethics, and Mysticism in Bullfighting
An extensive examination of the works of Spanish author José Bergamín (1895-1983) on bullfighting ranges from his 1930 essay "El arte de birlibirloque" to "La música callada del toreo" (1981). As a member of the Generation of '27, he characterized tauromachy as a blend of aesthetics, ethics, and mysticism. In his initial essay, he claimed that nationalism had tainted bullfighting, advocating for a universal ideal of the sport. He juxtaposed the figures of toreros Joselito (1895-1920) and Juan Belmonte as contrasting elements. Following the Spanish Civil War and his subsequent exile, Bergamín returned to Spain in 1958 and 1970, forming friendships with toreros. His 1961 lecture resulted in police questioning. His concluding essay reflects on a profound bullfight at Seville's Maestranza, marked by shared tears and joy.
Key facts
- José Bergamín (1895-1983) was a Spanish writer, essayist, poet, and playwright of the Generation of '27.
- He published his first bullfighting essay 'El arte de birlibirloque' in 1930.
- Bergamín contrasted toreros Joselito (born 1895, died 1920) and Juan Belmonte as opposing forces.
- He coined the concept of 'tancrédisme' based on Don Tancredo, a bricklayer who stood motionless in the arena.
- Michel Leiris was influenced by Bergamín's concept of tancrédisme for his preface to 'L'Âge d'homme'.
- After the Spanish Civil War, Bergamín lived in exile in Mexico, Uruguay, and Paris.
- His 1961 lecture 'El toreo, cuestión palpitante' led to police interrogation and renewed exile.
- His final essay 'La música callada del toreo' (1981) describes a transcendent bullfight in Seville's Maestranza.
- Bergamín defined himself by faith in art, play, and God.
- The article references a bullfight by José Tomás in Nîmes on September 16, 2012.
Entities
Artists
- José Bergamín
- Joselito
- Juan Belmonte
- Don Tancredo (Tancredo López)
- Manolete
- Pepe Luis Vázquez
- Antonio Bienvenida
- Domingo Ortega
- Luis Miguel Dominguín
- Domingo Dominguín
- Antonio Ordóñez
- Curro Romero
- Rafael de Paula
- Manolo Vázquez
- José Tomás
- Armillita
- Carlos Arruza
- Pepe-Hillo
- Paquiro Montes
- Cúchares
- Michel Leiris
- André Malraux
- Azorín
- Calderón de la Barca
- Descartes
- Nietzsche
- Pascal
- Séneca
- Miguel de Molinos
- Molina
Institutions
- Generation of '27
- Generation of '98
- Maestranza (Seville bullring)
- Cruz y Raya (magazine)
- artpress
Locations
- Spain
- Madrid
- Seville
- Andalusia
- Cordoba
- Linares
- Mexico
- Uruguay
- Paris
- France
- Nîmes
- Morocco
Sources
- artpress —