losangeleno:

I’d like to start by saying I don’t like these types of photos at all. Seeing senseless harm done to animals sickens me. When I first viewed this photo it saddened me extremely… it’s a powerful photo for many reasons. The torero breaks down as he realizes his relentless cruelty to an animal that wished to peacefully survive. There is  a story behind the photo that made me feel it was worth sharing.

This incredible photo marks the end of Matador Torero Alvaro Munera’s career. He collapsed in remorse mid-fight when he realized he was having to prompt this otherwise gentle beast to fight. He went on to become an avid opponent of bullfights.

Torero Munera is quoted as saying of this moment: “And suddenly, I looked at the bull. He had this innocence that all animals have in their eyes, and he looked at me with this pleading. It was like a cry for justice, deep down inside of me. I describe it as being like a prayer - because if one confesses, it is hoped, that one is forgiven. I felt like the worst shit on earth.”

(via amodernmanifesto)