One of my favorite artist's birthdays is today!
Along with the anniversary of the day I met my husband in 2003. :)
What sets this painting apart has to do with my love for art that has more to it than what meets the eyes.
The title, "Las Meninas," simply means "The Maids" ... simple enough. But, the painting was supposed to be a portrait of the King and Queen. Sneaky Diego stuck their faces in the mirror at the back of the room. So, technically speaking, it was a portrait, their visage just wasn't the prominent subject. Even more intriguing is that Velazquez painted himself along with the great canvas he was using to paint the King and Queen. The girl in the white gown, upon whom all the light in the room is focused, is the princess. Velazquez made a statement there; the future of the kingdom belonged to her. The maids are the little girls and the dwarf surrounding her. I'm not recalling the details; however, the paintings on the walls are all famous works by other painters.
At that time, paintings took so long (no cameras), that it might be hours before the subject could move. Diego kept the painting a secret, and wouldn't let anyone see it until it was complete... too late to rescind the payment.
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