Diego Velázquez's
Las Meninas, also known as
The Family of Philip IV, is a seminal work in the history of Western art. Created in 1656, this oil on canvas painting measures 318 x 276 cm and is housed at the prestigious
Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
Composition and Description
The painting depicts a room in the Royal Alcazar of Madrid during the reign of King Philip IV of Spain. It presents several figures from the Spanish court, captured in a particular moment as if in a snapshot. The five-year-old Infanta Margaret Theresa is surrounded by her entourage, including maids of honor, a chaperone, bodyguard, two dwarfs, and a dog. Velázquez portrays himself working on a large canvas, looking outwards beyond the pictorial space towards the viewer.
Significance and Interpretation
Las Meninas has been widely analyzed for its complex and enigmatic composition, which raises questions about reality and illusion. It is recognized as Velázquez's supreme achievement and a highly self-conscious demonstration of what painting could achieve. The work offers an intriguing glimpse into the life of the Spanish court during the reign of King Philip IV. For more information on
Diego Velázquez and his other works, visit our dedicated artist page:
Diego Velazquez.
Artistic Achievements
Velázquez's use of light sources, aerial perspective, and composition creates a credible space that draws the viewer in. The painting's aesthetic values are evident in its setting, unity, variety, and beautiful details. It represents a decisive step forward on the path to illusionism, a goal of European painting in the early modern age. To learn more about
Las Meninas, visit our page:
Las Meninas or The Family of Philip IV by Diego Velazquez.
Discover our handmade oil painting reproductions and print on canvas of this famous artwork. For additional details on the
Museo del Prado, explore our museum page:
Museo del Prado (Madrid, Spain).
You can also find more information on
Las Meninas on
Wikipedia.