Discover Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez, a prominent figure in the Spanish Golden Age and a highly influential artist in Western art history. This book provides an overview of his exceptional compositional skills, realistic depictions, and expert use of tone, which cemented Velázquez's reputation as the "supreme painter of his time."
Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (June 1599 – August 6, 1660) was a renowned painter during the Spanish Golden Age. His impact on the Western art world is still felt today, with artists such as Monet, Renoir, Corot, Courbet, Degas, and Dalí all acknowledging his influence. Even Picasso was moved to create 44 variations of his masterpiece, Las Meninas.
An expert's perspective on Velázquez highlights his naturalist approach, which differed from the common idealized style of his time. His early works showcased "bodegones", or genre scenes, depicting everyday life in 17th century Spain with a warm, rich color palette and careful attention to even the most ordinary subjects and humble faces, as seen in "Old Woman Frying Eggs".
Velázquez's portraits for the Royal Court brought a naturalistic style to the upper class, revolutionizing how royalty was depicted. His subjects were shown with warmth and humanity, rather than just grandeur, in relaxed poses. His renowned work, Las Meninas, painted in the royal court, challenges perceptions of reality and the connection between painter, painting, and viewer through its enigmatic composition.
This refreshed TASCHEN Basic Art 2.0 guide explores the works of Velázquez, including his humble genre scenes, royal portraits, the Rokeby Venus nude, and the iconic Las Meninas. Discover the artist's exceptional attention to composition, mastery of tone, and lasting impact as hailed by Manet as "the greatest painter of all."
