Baroque Era Blog

 Baroque Era

   "The Baroque is a highly ornate and elaborate style of architecture, art and design that flourished in Europe in the 17th and first half of the 18th century. Originating in Italy, its influence quickly spread across Europe and it became the first visual style to have a significant worldwide impact." The art from the Baroque Era had a message to show or understand behind the piece itself. 


Las Meninas, 1656 by Diego Velázquez 
    Las Meninas is Spanish for "The Ladies-in waiting." Las Meninas is an oil painting done by Diego Velazquez in 1656, it is now located in Mueso del Prado, Madrid. When he painted this he was with the royal household for 33 years. This painting is assumed to be showing a room in the Royal Alcazar of Madrid during the reign of King Philip IV of Spain. Las Meninas is considered to be one of the most important paintings in art history. 
    This painting shows King Philip IV's daughter surrounded by people. In the background you can see Diego Velazquez working, and you see the upper bodies of the king and queen in the mirror. The details in this painting really show how he was involved with the royal people. Being able to see the king and queen pictured in the piece, gives the sense of closeness to the artist himself. The people surrounding Infanta Margaret Theresa are her entourage of maids of honor, chaperone, bodyguard, two little people, and a dog. Being able to see him working in the background and all of the little details like that views the relationship between the viewer and the painting. Velazquez plays with the viewers point of view by having himself in his own painting. 


Comments

  1. DaylynnMarch 4, 2025 at 12:39 AM

    Las Meninas is such a beautiful painting. Velázquez spared no detail and his use of tone and his tenebrist style is remarkable. Due to Velázquez's role in the Spanish royal court, he spent much time around the royal family. King Philip IV was a patron of the arts and greatly supported Velázquez. What’s unique about the painting is that it blends the depiction of nobility and the Baroque Era’s style of capturing movement and corporation paintings. Las Meninas lets the viewer experience the world of Velázquez and highlights the family's sovereignty. Velázquez's use of the mirror was most likely influenced by the Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck which was in King Philip IV’s possession.

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