Grey Bulls

Traditionally, bulls are symbols of the masculine principle in nature; for example, Picasso often used them in his work to symbolize brutality and sexual power. To cowboys in Texas (where the artist lived for 20 years) bulls are sluggish, cranky, often unpredictable, and dangerous. The bulls depicted here are all show animals, pampered and exquisitely groomed. Martinez paints them not as symbols of brutality, but as representatives of what is best in the masculine nature-power, stability, and sensuous beauty. However, he doesn't let us forget the potential threat.