Las Meninas

Form

• Not as dramatic, but there still are extreme darks and lights
• Portrait of a portrait
• New technique called Impasto: visible application of paint with thick brush strokes; very gestural and painterly
• Lots of symbolism

Function

• Private use
• Evidence that King Philip asked for a portrait of his daughter so he could see her every day but is isn’t confirmed that she is the princess
• Sense of formality
• Promotion for Velazquez to show his abilities to the court which gave him lots of artistic power
• He was a critical aspect for the king

• Little girl has several attendants
• Little people were bought and sold and were “fashionable to have”
• Velazquez is painting the King and Queen
• Portrait of a portrait
• They’re in a very large room

Context

• Spain’s power and status was on a decline
• Allied with the Catholic church to try and gain power
• Strong light and diagonals
• Little girl is the lightest in the room because she’s so important
• Dog being in the forefront gives a sense of loyalty
• Person in the background is Velazquez because he is walking towards the Queen’s wuarters and is holding the tapestry

Learning Objective

17th c. Southern Baroque (Spanish) painting

Themes

Status

Family

Portrait

Rulers