Диего Веласкес Великий испанский художник, придворный живописец Филиппа IV. Дата рождения: 06.06.1599 Страна: Испания

1. Biography of Diego Velazquez
2. Early Life and Education
3. Training under Francisco Pacheco
4. Marriage and Career
5. Court Painter and Success
6. Conflict and Triumphs
7. Journey to Italy
8. Later Years and Death

Biography of Diego Velazquez

Early Life and Education

Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez was born on June 6, 1599, in the Spanish city of Seville. He came from a noble but not wealthy family, with his father being a Portuguese immigrant. Despite his noble background, pursuing a career in art was considered unacceptable for a gentleman at that time. However, when Diego showed exceptional artistic abilities, his father took him to the workshop of the renowned Spanish painter Francisco Herrera.

Training under Francisco Pacheco

After a short period with Herrera, Diego studied under another painter, Francisco Pacheco, until 1617 when he became a master. Pacheco was passionate about antiquity and an excellent teacher. Under Pacheco's guidance, Diego honed his drawing skills, which allowed him to reproduce nature accurately in his paintings. He also began working on genre scenes, known as "bodegones," based on Pacheco's advice.

Marriage and Career

While studying with Pacheco, Diego met his future wife in Pacheco's house. In 1619 and 1621, they had two daughters. In 1620, Diego opened his own studio in Seville. His talent caught the attention of King Philip IV, who invited him to the royal court in Madrid. Velazquez became the court painter and was given a prominent position and spacious studio in the royal palace.

Court Painter and Success

As the court painter, Velazquez painted numerous portraits of King Philip IV and his family, including his daughter, Infanta Margarita. His popularity grew to the point where it became fashionable to own a portrait by him. Besides portraits, Velazquez also created a gallery of influential figures in Spanish culture, portraying playwrights, poets, and actors.

Conflict and Triumphs

Velazquez's boldness and disregard for academic traditions created conflicts with other established artists. In 1627, a contest was arranged to determine the best painter, in which Velazquez participated. He painted a historical scene called "The Expulsion of the Moriscos," depicting a tragic event from Spanish history. Although the expressive style of the painting contradicted its official purpose, King Philip IV was delighted and displayed it in one of the palace halls alongside works by Titian and Rubens. Velazquez received high honors and became a chamberlain.

Journey to Italy

In 1629, Velazquez embarked on a trip to Italy, where he visited Venice, Ferrara, Rome, and Naples. He studied the works of Italian artists, copied paintings by Tintoretto, and immersed himself in the study of ancient sculptures. This journey broadened his artistic horizons and further refined his skills.

Later Years and Death

Upon his return to Spain, Velazquez continued to paint portraits and genre scenes. His later works, such as "Las Meninas" (The Maids of Honor) and "Las Hilanderas" (The Spinners), showcased his mastery of composition, light, and space. Velazquez's career reached its peak when he was awarded the highest order of Spain, the Cross of Santiago, by King Philip IV.

Sadly, Velazquez's health deteriorated, and he struggled to work in his final years. After attending the wedding ceremony of the king's daughter, he fell ill and passed away on August 6, 1660. Despite his relatively short life, Diego Velazquez left behind an extraordinary body of work that continues to inspire and influence artists to this day.