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Rafael de Paula, Seminal Spanish Matador, Dies at 85

The Jerez-born artist of the cape, honored with Spain's Gold Medal for Fine Arts in 2002, defined a generation of toreo with a celebrated 1979 performance in his hometown.

Overview

  • His family confirmed his death on November 2, as local outlets reported tributes and Jerez’s mayor offered condolences.
  • Revered for his duende and exquisite verónicas, he delivered a landmark faena in Jerez on May 17, 1979, commemorated with a plaque in the ring.
  • He advanced from a 1957 debut in Ronda to taking the alternativa there in 1960 and confirming in Madrid in 1974, with an official retirement around 2000.
  • Severe knee injuries required multiple surgeries and ultimately limited his mobility, with reports noting he used a wheelchair in later years.
  • His legacy includes legal controversies—among them a 1995 jail stay later upheld by Spain’s Supreme Court and a 2014 police case—as well as work as an agent for toreros such as Morante de la Puebla.