Las Meninas
Factual Information:
From: Museo del Prado, Madrid
Period: 1656
Period: 1656
General Information:
This painting by Diego Velazquez, show a large room in the Madrid palace of King Philip IV of Spain. The painting shows several figures, most of them identifiable by the Spanish court. Velazquez chose to show them all in a specific moment, as if it was a snapshot painting. The photo appears to be very realistic in its portrayal of the figures, but however, some of the flowing swipes of color by the artist make some portions seem as if they could be unfinished. Like the figures holding the brush and regarding the viewer. Velazquez himself is that figure holding the brush and painting materials. Other figures include Philip IV's daughter, Margaret Theresa, as well as her attendants. Other figures include the two shown in the mirror at the back of the room. These two figures are Philip IV of Spain and his wife. The viewer shares the view of those figures. Also shown on the back wall are rows of paintings, included one from Peter Paul Rubens called Metamorphoses, and another by Velazquez's son-in-law Juan del Mazo.
Why This Artwork?
This artwork was chosen to show the art style of the Baroque period in Span, more particularly the art style of Velazquez who painting with realism, but with some details when seen up closer appear unfinished, but from a distance seem to be complete.