Spanish, 1599–1660
Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was a Spanish Baroque painter, renowned for his contributions to the art world during the 17th century. He is considered one of the most important painters in Western art history and served as the leading artist at the court of King Philip IV of Spain. Velázquez was born on June 6, 1599, in Seville, Spain, and began his artistic training at a young age, studying under Francisco Pacheco. He moved to Madrid in 1623, where he gained recognition for his portraits and historical scenes. His major works include 'Las Meninas,' 'The Surrender of Breda,' and 'The Forge of Vulcan.' Velázquez's style is characterized by his masterful use of light and shadow, as well as his innovative approach to composition and perspective. His influence extends beyond his lifetime, impacting generations of artists and shaping the development of modern art.
1 artwork