London's National Gallery is home this Fall and Winter to Velázquez, Great Britain's first international loan exhibition devoted to Spanish Baroque painter Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599-1660). Some 40 portraits, mythological and religious paintings, arranged in four rooms, trace the artist's career: his origins in Seville; Velázquez's role as official court painter to Spain's King Philip IV (r. 1621-1665); the influence of his two Italian trips; and the Spaniard's last years that culminated in his knighthood. One of the show's most famous portraits is Infanta María Teresa (ca. 1652-3), a daughter of the monarch. In this composition, Velázquez was able to achieve a heightened sense of realism and psychological depth through his lively brushstrokes and illusionistic technique, having made Velázquez truly individual when compared to academic artists of his age.
"Velázquez" is on view from October 18, 2006 to January 21, 2007 at the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, England (Telephone: 020 7747 2885; Website). The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Wednesday and Saturday until 9:00 PM). Admission to the museum is free, but there is a separate charge for "Velázquez": £12 for adults, £11 for seniors (£6 on Tuesday afternoon from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM), £6 for students ages 12 to 18 and free for children under 12.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.
"Velázquez" is on view from October 18, 2006 to January 21, 2007 at the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, England (Telephone: 020 7747 2885; Website). The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Wednesday and Saturday until 9:00 PM). Admission to the museum is free, but there is a separate charge for "Velázquez": £12 for adults, £11 for seniors (£6 on Tuesday afternoon from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM), £6 for students ages 12 to 18 and free for children under 12.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.