Joaquín Rodríguez Costillares

Joaquín Rodríguez Costillares, born in Seville in 1729, is recognized as the father of modern, foot-based bullfighting. He is credited with establishing the pageantry and style of the contemporary corrida. Costillares introduced the basic cape pass known as the veronica, the tradition of the matador wearing an elaborately embroidered costume, and the volapié method for killing the bull. This technique involves transfixing the bull with a sword while it charges, with the matador lunging forward to strike between the bull's shoulder blades. His rival was Pedro Romero of Ronda, who popularized the use of the estoque (the sword used for the kill) and the muleta (a small red cape used in the final act). These two bullfighters represented distinct styles: the Ronda school, known for its simpler approach, and the Seville school, characterized by a more flamboyant style.1