Diego Velasquez

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

Rise to Prominence  In Madrid, he painted for the Chaplain of King Phillip IV  The King’s 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

Las Meninas  The Maids of Honor  Snapshot  One of most widely analysed and important works in western painting  Represents “theology of painting”

Las Lanzas  Also called the Surrender of Breda  Depicts the surrender of the keys to the city from Dutch to Spanish army

Christ on the Cross  Greatest of his religious paintings  Tremendous power and originality  Stands alone, without accessory