- Year Born/Died: 1599-1660
- City Born: Seville
- Significant Works: Las Meninas, the Old Woman Frying Eggs, and The Luncheon
- Movement: Baroque
Diego Velazquez is regarded as one of the greatest Spanish artists of all time; even Manet dubbed him ‘the painter of painters.’ Velázquez’s extraordinary talent was apparent at a young age. Velazquez created some of his most acclaimed pieces, the Old Woman Frying Eggs, and The Luncheon, at only 18 years.
In his early works, the use of chiaroscuro is evocative of Caravaggio. Throughout this time, he focused on still lifes and religious themes in his art.
Later, Velazquez successfully established a career in court painting. During this time, he painted numerous photos of the Spanish royal family. His portfolio also comprised mythical paintings like The Triumph of Bacchus.
