(see the full-size close-up below)

This is the moment of truth for this matador, the moment when he will take the sword and will try to dispatch the bull quickly and cleanly. It is the one most vulnerable time for this man because to do what he has to do he must distract the bull with his left hand and small red cape while he moves in over the horns to slide the thin curved sharp blade between the bull’s shoulder blades directly into its heart. When it is done properly the bull drops instantly and is dead. The crowd roars its approval and the bullfighter is glorified.

But if the bull’s feet are not together, the blade may strike a shoulder-blade and not do its job. If the bull does not keep his head down as he watches the red muleta, he may suddenly lift it as the man goes over the horns. If this happens the man will take the sharp horn in his groin or abdomen and be thrown aloft like a rag doll.

That’s why you see the concern on his face as he is about to take the sword from his sword handler. This is his Moment of Truth. Life or Death. Which will it be?

This is a close-up image from the full-size print, showing the detail involved