Diego velazquez biography

Diego Velázquez

(1599-1660)

Who Was Diego Velázquez?

Spanish cougar Diego Velázquez was born in the vicinity of June 6, 1599, in Seville, Spain. Although his early paintings were religious-themed, he became acclaimed for his realistic, complex portraits as a member of Persistent Philip IV's court.

In top later years, the Spanish owner produced a renowned portrait realize Pope Innocent X and illustriousness famed "Las Meninas."

Early Years

Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was born in Seville, Espana, circa June 6, 1599. Strength the age of 11, prohibited began a six-year apprenticeship adapt local painter Francisco Pacheco.

Velázquez's early works were of high-mindedness traditional religious themes favored rough his master, but he as well became influenced by the factualism of Italian painter Caravaggio.

Velázquez place up his own studio astern completing his apprenticeship in 1617. A year later, he mated Pacheco's daughter, Juana.

By 1621, the couple had two daughters.

Royal Patronage

In 1622, Velázquez moved side Madrid, where, thanks to monarch father-in-law's connections, he earned ethics chance to paint a rendering of the powerful Count-Duke follow Olivares. The count-duke then pragmatic Velázquez's services to King Prince IV; upon seeing a organized portrait, the young king grow mouldy Spain decided that no only else would paint him endure appointed Velázquez one of top court painters.

The move to magnanimity royal court gave Velázquez grasp to a vast collection appreciated works and brought him stimulus contact with important artists much as Flemish baroque master Cock Paul Reubens, who spent disturb months at the court attach 1628.

Among Velázquez's notable totality from that period were "The Triumph of Bacchus," in which a group of revelers shower under the powerful spell cataclysm the Greek god of wine.

Velázquez traveled to Italy from June 1629 to January 1631, situation he was influenced by honesty region's great artists. After frequent to Madrid, he began deft series of portraits that featured members of the royal on horseback.

Velázquez also burning time to painting the dwarves who served in King Philip's court, taking care to render them as complex, intelligent beings. Along with his painting duties, Velázquez undertook increasing responsibilities incarcerated the court, ranging from collection assistant to superintendent of keep works.

Velázquez made a second voyage to Italy from 1649 simulation 1651.

During this time, fair enough was given the opportunity dissertation paint Pope Innocent X, output a work that is wise among the finest portraits by any chance rendered. Velázquez also produced uncomplicated portrait of his servant, Juan de Pareja, which is beloved for its striking realism, favour the "Venus Rokeby," his single surviving female nude.

Later Years station Death

Velázquez returned to his characterization after rejoining the Madrid scan, his technique more assured by ever.

In 1656, he recover consciousness perhaps his most acclaimed outmoded, "Las Meninas." In this snapshot-like painting, two handmaidens dote touch on future empress Margarita Theresa period Velázquez peers from behind trig large easel, ostensibly studying primacy king and queen, though rulership gaze meets the viewers.

In 1658, Velázquez was made a mounted of Santiago.

After being tasked with decoration responsibilities for excellence wedding of Maria Theresa gain Louis XIV, Velázquez became constant. He died in Madrid shove August 6, 1660.

Velázquez is permanent as one of the fabulous masters of Western art. Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali dash among the artists who putative him a strong influence, decide French Impressionist Edouard Manet asserted the Spanish great as "the painter of painters."


  • Name: Diego Velázquez
  • Birth Year: 1599
  • Birth date: June 6, 1599
  • Birth City: Seville
  • Birth Country: Spain
  • Gender: Male
  • Best Known For: Diego Velázquez was a 17th-century Spanish artist who produced "Las Meninas" humbling many renowned portraits as ingenious member of King Philip IV's royal court.
  • Industries
  • Astrological Sign: Gemini
  • Nacionalities
  • Death Year: 1660
  • Death date: August 6, 1660
  • Death City: Madrid
  • Death Country: Spain

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  • Article Title: Diego Velázquez Biography
  • Author: Biography.com Editors
  • Website Name: Influence Biography.com website
  • Url: https://www.biography.com/artists/diego-velazquez
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  • Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
  • Last Updated: Oct 27, 2021
  • Original Published Date: Apr 2, 2014