Diego Velázquez
Biografie1599 - 1660
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Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was born in Seville, Spain, 1599, on June 6. He started a six-year apprenticeship at the early age of 11, with local artist Francisco Pacheco. His earlier works were of traditional religious theme because of this, but an influence by the Italian painter Caravaggio is clearly visible.
A year after his training had ended Velázquez was married to Pachero's daughter Juana, with whom he had two daughters. In 1622 Velázquez moved to Madrid where his services were recommended to King Philip IV; he soon became a member of the King's court. This gave Velázqueq access to a vast collection of works which was the reason of him being influenced by Flemish master Reubens.
Paintings of his hands often depict recognizable portraits of dwarves who served the Kings court. He paid special attention to reflect them as intelligent beings. On one of his two journeys to Italy, from 1649 to 1651, he was commissioned a portait of Pope Innocent X, one of his finest portraits. In 1656 he painted his most acclaimed work 'Las Meninas'. In 1658 he was made a knight of Santiago. Two years later he unfortenately became ill. On August 6, 1660, he passed away in Madrid. He is considered as one of the greatest masters in the Western world. He was known to be an inspiration to both Picasso and Dalì, and Manet described him as the 'painter of painters'.
A year after his training had ended Velázquez was married to Pachero's daughter Juana, with whom he had two daughters. In 1622 Velázquez moved to Madrid where his services were recommended to King Philip IV; he soon became a member of the King's court. This gave Velázqueq access to a vast collection of works which was the reason of him being influenced by Flemish master Reubens.
Paintings of his hands often depict recognizable portraits of dwarves who served the Kings court. He paid special attention to reflect them as intelligent beings. On one of his two journeys to Italy, from 1649 to 1651, he was commissioned a portait of Pope Innocent X, one of his finest portraits. In 1656 he painted his most acclaimed work 'Las Meninas'. In 1658 he was made a knight of Santiago. Two years later he unfortenately became ill. On August 6, 1660, he passed away in Madrid. He is considered as one of the greatest masters in the Western world. He was known to be an inspiration to both Picasso and Dalì, and Manet described him as the 'painter of painters'.
