José Tomás in Nîmes, a bullfight that made history

"The Arena of Nîmes is the page where, on September 16, 2012, a historical chapter in the history of bullfighting was written, that is to say, the history of an art." D.J. Valade

Feria de Nîmes, 13-16 septembre 2012 (2012) by Jean-Pierre FormicaMusée des Cultures Taurines

Détails de cape by Sastrería FermínMusée des Cultures Taurines

On September 16, 2012, the Arena of Nîmes witnessed an exceptional bullfight, led by bullfighter José Tomás, who alone faced six bulls. This event is recalled in a room on the first floor of the museum, inaugurated by the maestro on May 27, 2013.

Entrée du paseo (2012-09-16) by Roland CostedoatMusée des Cultures Taurines

Tête de taureau naturalisée by Maison Soler, PronatoroMusée des Cultures Taurines

The slate-gray and gold costume of lights and the paseíllo cape, made by the Sastrería Fermín in Madrid and worn by José Tomás that day, are displayed, as well as the heads of the five bulls that were fought, the fourth one having been pardoned.

Passe de cape (2012-09-16) by Isabelle DupinMusée des Cultures Taurines

"He is the greatest matador of all time, say those who have seen bullfighting Manolete, who was the greatest matador of all time." 

Denis Podalydès, comedian 

Costume de lumières du Maestro José Tomás - chaquetilla by Sastrería FermínMusée des Cultures Taurines

Sastrería Fermín, Madrid

"The Fermín house always strives to convey grandeur to the suit of lights, ensure that the bullfighters are comfortable, and make them feel king for one day. It is a real honor to dress a bullfighter of the caliber and prestige of José Tomás.

Costume de lumières du Maestro José Tomás - chaquetilla by Sastrería FermínMusée des Cultures Taurines

After careful consideration, we chose the slate-gray and gold colors: they are strong and powerful colors that add a sense of depth and solemnity to the event. The embroidery also had to be fully in harmony with the exceptional character of this bullfight.

Cape de Paseo du Maestro José Tomás by Sastrería FermínMusée des Cultures Taurines

The white color of the paseíllo cape completely contrasted with the slate-gray color. The striking contrast of the two colors, combined with the presence of the bright red flowers and the green foliage, created a spectacular result."


Antonio López Fuentes
Director of the Sastrería Fermín, Madrid

José Tomás triomphant (2012-09-16) by Michel VolleMusée des Cultures Taurines

"Could we still consider it bullfighting? Wasn't the word exceeded by the strength of the event?"

"José Tomás was just visiting, but he disrupted everything" 

Rafael Viotti
banderillero

Credits: Story

Réalisation : Musée des Cultures Taurines
Chef de projet : Camille Dubois
Conservation : Lisa Laborie-Barrière
Coordination : Isabelle Morfin, Gilles Raoux, Jean-Marie Mercier

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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