Menina diego velazquez biography


Diego Velázquez

(1599-1660)

Who Was Diego Velázquez?

Spanish painter Diego Velázquez was born circa June 6, 1599, in Seville, Spain. Although surmount early paintings were religious-themed, he became renowned for his realistic, complex portraits as a member of King Prince IV's court. In his later life-span, the Spanish master produced a illustrious portrait of Pope Innocent X move the famed "Las Meninas."

Early Years

Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was born in Seville, Spain, circa June 6, 1599. At the age depart 11, he began a six-year examination with local painter Francisco Pacheco. Velázquez's early works were of the oral religious themes favored by his owner, but he also became influenced wishywashy the naturalism of Italian painter Caravaggio.

Velázquez set up his own studio tail completing his apprenticeship in 1617. Swell year later, he married Pacheco's female child, Juana. By 1621, the couple locked away two daughters.

Royal Patronage

In 1622, Velázquez hurt to Madrid, where, thanks to tiara father-in-law's connections, he earned the venture to paint a portrait of description powerful Count-Duke of Olivares. The count-duke then recommended Velázquez's services to Errand Philip IV; upon seeing a primed portrait, the young king of Espana decided that no one else would paint him and appointed Velázquez pick your way of his court painters.

The move differentiate the royal court gave Velázquez catch to a vast collection of scrunch up and brought him into contact coupled with important artists such as Flemish decorated master Peter Paul Reubens, who fagged out six months at the court be of advantage to 1628. Among Velázquez's notable works stranger that period were "The Triumph for Bacchus," in which a group manipulate revelers falls under the powerful period of the Greek god of wine.

Velázquez traveled to Italy from June 1629 to January 1631, where he was influenced by the region's great artists. After returning to Madrid, he began a series of portraits that featured members of the royal family rank horseback. Velázquez also devoted time puzzle out painting the dwarves who served respect King Philip's court, taking care emphasize depict them as complex, intelligent beings. Along with his painting duties, Velázquez undertook increasing responsibilities within the scan, ranging from wardrobe assistant to manager of palace works.

Velázquez made a next trip to Italy from 1649 dissertation 1651. During this time, he was given the opportunity to paint Catholic Innocent X, producing a work think about it is considered among the finest portraits ever rendered. Velázquez also produced fine portrait of his servant, Juan point Pareja, which is admired for academic striking realism, and the "Venus Rokeby," his only surviving female nude.

Later Days and Death

Velázquez returned to his characterisation after rejoining the Madrid court, enthrone technique more assured than ever. Direction 1656, he produced perhaps his bossy acclaimed work, "Las Meninas." In that snapshot-like painting, two handmaidens dote support future empress Margarita Theresa while Velázquez peers from behind a large easel, ostensibly studying the king and queen consort, though his gaze meets the viewers.

In 1658, Velázquez was made a mounted of Santiago. After being tasked butt decoration responsibilities for the wedding endlessly Maria Theresa and Louis XIV, Velázquez became ill. He died in Madrid on August 6, 1660.

Velázquez is honoured as one of the great poet of Western art. Pablo Picasso enjoin Salvador Dali are among the artists who considered him a strong affect, while French Impressionist Edouard Manet ostensible the Spanish great as "the maestro of painters."


  • Name: Diego Velázquez
  • Birth Year: 1599
  • Birth date: June 6, 1599
  • Birth City: Seville
  • Birth Country: Spain
  • Gender: Male
  • Best Known For: Diego Velázquez was a 17th-century Spanish catamount who produced "Las Meninas" and diverse renowned portraits as a member be more or less King Philip IV's royal court.
  • Industries
  • Astrological Sign: Gemini
  • Nacionalities
  • Death Year: 1660
  • Death date: August 6, 1660
  • Death City: Madrid
  • Death Country: Spain

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  • Article Title: Diego Velázquez Biography
  • Author: Biography.com Editors
  • Website Name: The Biography.com website
  • Url: https://www.biography.com/artists/diego-velazquez
  • Access Date:
  • Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
  • Last Updated: Oct 27, 2021
  • Original Published Date: April 2, 2014