Robert FrankAmerican, 1924–2019Valencia (Bullfight)
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Valencia (Bullfight)” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
What has been a venerated tradition in Spanish culture, the bullfight, is seen here from a modern perspective. Frank obscures the costumed toreador, eliminates human facial expressions, and makes the sword-stabbed bull the focal point of the photograph. In doing so, he offers an unromantic look at a sport that remains popular in Spain, despite outcry against the inhumane treatment of animals.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 86.18.2
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — © Robert Frank. All rights reserved.
In the life of Robert Frank
The whole life1949
Camera magazine: the “new photography” of Switzerland
The new editor of Camera magazine, Walter Laubli, publishes a substantial portfolio of Jakob Tuggener alongside the work of the 25-year-old Frank, who has just returned to his native Switzerland after two years abroad, including some of his first pictures from New York; the magazine promotes the two as representatives of the “new photography” of Switzerland. Tuggener, first mentioned to him by his boss and mentor, the Zurich commercial photographer Michael Wolgensinger, becomes a role model for the younger artist.
1949–1950
Travels in South America and Europe; a hand-made book on Peru
He soon leaves again to travel in South America and Europe, creates another hand-made book of photographs shot in Peru, and returns to the U.S. in 1950.
1950
The group show “51 American Photographers” at MoMA
The year is momentous for Frank: after meeting Edward Steichen he takes part in the group show 51 American Photographers at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
1950
Married: Mary Frank
1950–1953
Disillusionment with America and a brief move to Paris
Though initially optimistic about American society and culture, Frank’s perspective quickly changes as he confronts the fast pace of American life and what he sees as an overemphasis on money: he now sees America as an often bleak and lonely place, and his dissatisfaction with the control editors exercise over his work colors the experience. He continues to travel, moving his family briefly to Paris.
