Diego Velázquez

Biography

Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599–1660) was a Spanish painter and one of the most important figures of the Baroque period. Born on June 6, 1599, in Seville, Spain, Velázquez trained under Francisco Pacheco, who influenced his early technique and introduced him to the world of portraiture.

Velázquez became the leading court painter for King Philip IV of Spain, producing portraits that combined realism, psychological depth, and refined technique. His notable works include Las Meninas (1656), The Surrender of Breda (1634–1635), and Portrait of Pope Innocent X (1650), which showcase his mastery of composition, perspective, and human expression. He also painted historical and religious scenes, bringing a lifelike presence to his subjects.

Renowned for his subtle use of light and color, Velázquez influenced generations of artists, including Francisco Goya and Édouard Manet. He died on August 6, 1660, in Madrid, leaving a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Spanish Golden Age and a master of portraiture and realism.