Diego Velasquez

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Diego Velasquez

• 1599-1660

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Background

• Born in Seville, belonged to Jewish Converso
  Lineage and educated in languages and philosophy
• But showed an early gift for art
• He began to study under Herrera then at 12, began
  to serve as an apprentice under Francisco Pacheco
• Married in 1618 and had two daughters, one died
  at birth

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Rise to Prominence

• In Madrid, he painted for the Chaplain of King
  Phillip IV
• The Kings favorite court painter then died, and
  Velasquez was noticed by the King
• Phillip set up a competition for the best
  painters in Spain, Velasquez won

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Las Meninas

• The Maids of Honor
• Snapshot
• One of most widely analysed and important works
  in western painting
• Represents theology of painting

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Las Lanzas

• Also called the Surrender of Breda
• Depicts the surrender of the keys to the city
  from Dutch to Spanish army

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The Toilet of Venus

• Only surviving painting of a female nude
• Depicts Venus the goddess of love and cupid, her
  son.

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Christ on the Cross

• Greatest of his religious paintings
• Tremendous power and originality
• Stands alone, without accessory