Diego Velázquez

Diego Velázquez (1599–1660), Spanish, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez, known as Diego Velázquez, was a seminal Spanish Baroque painter whose work has left an indelible mark on the history of art. Born in Seville and baptized on June 6, 1599, Velázquez began his artistic journey in his hometown, where he honed a naturalistic style influenced by the tenebrism of Caravaggio and his followers. At the age of 24, he moved to Madrid, a pivotal moment that would define his career. There, he was appointed painter to King Philip IV, a role that elevated him to the position of court painter, the highest honor for an artist in the royal household. This appointment not only secured his reputation but also provided him with unparalleled access to the royal collection, enriching his artistic vocabulary.
Velázquez's oeuvre is distinguished by its evolution from the dark, dramatic tones of his early Sevillian works to a luminous, fluid style characterized by loose, rapid brushstrokes. His tenure at court allowed him to produce numerous portraits of the royal family, alongside other works intended to adorn the royal residences. A transformative journey to Italy exposed him to both classical and contemporary art, further refining his technique. Masterpieces such as 'The Surrender of Breda' and his later works, including the iconic 'Las Meninas' and 'The Spinners', showcase his mastery of light and composition. Velázquez's legacy, comprising around 120 to 130 works, was not fully recognized until the mid-19th century, but his influence on subsequent generations, particularly the French Impressionists, is undeniable. Édouard Manet famously hailed him as the 'painter of painters', a testament to his enduring impact on the art world. Velázquez passed away in Madrid on August 6, 1660, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate and inspire.