Diego Velázquez

In 1611, Velázquez began a six-year apprenticeship with Francisco Pacheco in Seville, studying the classics, proportion, and perspective.¹

His early works were 'bodegones' (kitchen scenes) characterized by precise realism and dramatic tenebrist lighting influenced by Caravaggio.¹

In early works like 'Kitchen Scene with Christ', he used ambiguous compositions featuring religious scenes in the background of everyday life.¹

In 1623, after pleasing King Philip IV with a portrait, Velázquez was appointed as the only painter allowed to depict the King.¹

The 'golilla' collars in his portraits reflected Philip IV's dress reform laws enacted during a period of economic crisis.¹

In 1627, Velázquez won a major painting competition on the subject of the expulsion of the Moors, earning the title of gentleman usher.¹

His 1656 masterpiece 'Las Meninas' is considered one of the greatest and most significant works in the history of Western art.¹