Luis Mazzantini

Luis Mazzantini

Luis Mazzantini Eguía (Elgóibar, Guipúzcoa, October 10, 1856 - Madrid, April 23, 1926) was a famous Spanish bullfighter.

Son of an Italian engineer and a Basque mother, he lived and studied in Italy during his childhood and adolescence, obtaining a bachelors degree in Arts. He returned to Spain as secretary in the procession of Amadeo de Saboya. In search of fame and money, he decided to dedicate himself to the bullfighting to late age and without being banderillero before. Its cultural formation, unusual in the bullfighters of the time, made him gain the nickname of mad lord. After a novillero period, he confirmed his alternative in Madrid from Lagartijo, on May 29, 1884.

It coincided with the period of absolute dominion of Rafael Guerra, Guerrita and also alternated with the mythical Lagartijo and Frascuelo, who were in the final stretch of their careers. Mazzantini, nicknamed Don Luis, is remembered for his unique personality in and out of the squares and technically as a great stocker. Also remembered are the anecdotes about the war, his antagonist in the square, and for having managed to impose the bullfights, since until then the main matador (always Guerrita), with the approval of the cattleman, chose the cattle that he wanted to fight, which harmed the other killers. He also made improvements in the fees of right-handers. He killed almost 3000 bulls and went on to earn six thousand pesetas per bullfight in the last decade of the nineteenth century.

It was very popular at the time, dressed very smart and rubbed shoulders with high society. He also had artistic friends, frequenting opera and literary gatherings.

The queue was cut when his wife died, in February 1905. Once removed from the ring, Mazzantini, a monarchist tendency, was dedicated to a brilliant political career. He was councilman in the City council of Madrid, lieutenant of mayor, member of the Provincial Delegation and civil governor of Guadalajara and of Avila.

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