Diego Velázquez (1599 - 1660)

Diego Velázquez (1599 - 1660) - photo 1

Diego Velázquez

Diego Velázquez, a seminal figure in the history of Western art, was a Spanish painter whose work left an indelible mark on the canvas of art history. Born in Seville, Spain, in 1599, Velázquez's early life was steeped in the rich cultural heritage of his homeland, which would later profoundly influence his artistic direction. His baptism took place in the church of St. Peter in Seville, hinting at a life that would be closely intertwined with the spiritual and cultural fabric of Spain.

Velázquez's journey into art began under the tutelage of Francisco Pacheco, a renowned artist in Seville, where he honed his skills and developed a unique style that married realism with a keen observation of human nature. This formative period was crucial, setting the stage for Velázquez to become the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV, where he produced portraits that captured the essence of the Spanish royal family with unparalleled depth and sensitivity. His work during this period, including iconic pieces like "Las Meninas" and "The Surrender of Breda," showcased not only his technical prowess but also his ability to convey complex narratives and emotions through his paintings​​​​.

Velázquez's influence extended far beyond his lifetime, inspiring future generations of artists across various movements. His approach to realism and use of light and shadow would later become a cornerstone for realist and impressionist painters in the 19th century, including Édouard Manet. Moreover, 20th-century icons like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Francis Bacon paid homage to Velázquez, reinterpreting his works and celebrating his enduring legacy in the canon of art history​​.

The breadth of Velázquez's work is best appreciated in institutions like the Museo del Prado in Madrid, which houses an extensive collection of his paintings. These pieces not only offer a glimpse into the artist's mastery over his medium but also reflect the cultural and historical zeitgeist of 17th-century Spain. Velázquez's ability to capture the human condition, coupled with his innovative techniques, cemented his position as a pivotal figure in the Baroque period and a master of the Spanish Golden Age of painting​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Velázquez's oeuvre represents a pinnacle of artistic achievement, offering insights into the evolution of painting and the enduring power of visual storytelling. His works continue to inspire and captivate audiences, underscoring the timeless nature of his artistry.

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Date and place of birt:6 june 1599, Sevilla, Spain
Date and place of death:6 august 1660, Madrid, Spain
Nationality:Spain
Period of activity: XVII century
Specialization:Artist, Painter
Art school / group:Madrid School
Genre:Genre art, History painting, Mythological painting, Portrait
Art style:Baroque, Old Masters

Creators Spain

Pablo Emilio Gargallo (1881 - 1934)
Pablo Emilio Gargallo
1881 - 1934
Cristina BanBan (1987)
Cristina BanBan
1987
Josep Maria Subirachs Sitjar (1927 - 2014)
Josep Maria Subirachs Sitjar
1927 - 2014
Enric Serra i Auqué (1858 - 1918)
Enric Serra i Auqué
1858 - 1918
Miguel Berrocal (1933 - 2006)
Miguel Berrocal
1933 - 2006
Joan Cornellà (1981)
Joan Cornellà
1981
Xavier Oriach (1927)
Xavier Oriach
1927
Francisco Risi (1608 - 1685)
Francisco Risi
1608 - 1685
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617 - 1682)
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
1617 - 1682
Louise Vidal (1876 - 1918)
Louise Vidal
1876 - 1918
Juan Uslé (1954)
Juan Uslé
1954
Agustín Ibarrola (1930 - 2023)
Agustín Ibarrola
1930 - 2023
Luis Feito Lopez (1929 - 2021)
Luis Feito Lopez
1929 - 2021
El Greco (1541 - 1614)
El Greco
1541 - 1614
Lucio Marineo Siculo (1444 - 1533)
Lucio Marineo Siculo
1444 - 1533
Ramon Casas (1866 - 1932)
Ramon Casas
1866 - 1932

Creators Baroque

Nicolò Grassi (1682 - 1748)
Nicolò Grassi
1682 - 1748
Philips Wouwerman (1619 - 1668)
Philips Wouwerman
1619 - 1668
Pierre Philibert Degand (1747 - 1825)
Pierre Philibert Degand
1747 - 1825
Jacobus Linthorst (1745 - 1815)
Jacobus Linthorst
1745 - 1815
Gabriel Metsu (1629 - 1667)
Gabriel Metsu
1629 - 1667
Giovanni Francesco Braccioli (1697 - 1762)
Giovanni Francesco Braccioli
1697 - 1762
Salvator Rosa (1615 - 1673)
Salvator Rosa
1615 - 1673
Giovanni Battista Cremonini (1550 - 1610)
Giovanni Battista Cremonini
1550 - 1610
Carletto Caliari (1570 - 1596)
Carletto Caliari
1570 - 1596
Claudine Bouzonnet-Stella (1636 - 1697)
Claudine Bouzonnet-Stella
1636 - 1697
Peter Strudel (1660 - 1714)
Peter Strudel
1660 - 1714
Willem van Nieulandt II (1584 - 1635)
Willem van Nieulandt II
1584 - 1635
Vicente Juan Masip (1507 - 1579)
Vicente Juan Masip
1507 - 1579
Girolamo di Tiziano (1510 - 1572)
Girolamo di Tiziano
1510 - 1572
Giulio Campi (1502 - 1572)
Giulio Campi
1502 - 1572
Carel de Moor (1655 - 1738)
Carel de Moor
1655 - 1738
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