Color really adds meaning to live, all thanks to art we are able to appreciate live more.
In this blog post we will be looking at the biography of Diego Velázquez his net worth and Career.
Keep reading if you appreciate art.
Early life:
Diego Velázquez was born on June 6, 1599, in Seville, Spain. He was the oldest of six children born to Juan Rodriguez de Silva and his wife Jerónima Velázquez.
His father was a lawyer and his mother came from a wealthy family.
Diego was baptized in the parish of Santa María la Blanca in Seville.
He showed an early interest in art, and at the age of 11, he was apprenticed to the painter Francisco Pacheco, who was also a family friend.
Diego Velázquez Personal life:
In 1618, at the age of 19, Diego Velázquez married Juana Pacheco, the daughter of his mentor Francisco Pacheco.
They had two daughters together, Francisca and Ignacia.
Despite being married, Velázquez had several extramarital affairs throughout his life, and it is rumored that he fathered several illegitimate children.
Diego Velázquez Career:
In 1623, Velázquez became a member of the Seville Artists’ Guild, and he began to establish himself as a painter.
He painted several religious and secular scenes, including his first notable work, “Adoration of the Magi” (1622).
In 1623, Velázquez traveled to Madrid to paint a portrait of King Philip IV.
The portrait was a success, and Velázquez was appointed court painter in 1624.
He would remain in the service of the Spanish royal family for the rest of his life.
Velázquez’s career flourished under the patronage of the Spanish court.
He was commissioned to paint many portraits of the royal family, as well as other prominent figures in Spanish society.
He also painted several mythological and historical scenes, including his masterpiece, “Las Meninas” (1656), which depicts the Spanish princess Margarita Teresa surrounded by her attendants and the painter himself.
Velázquez was a master of portraiture, and his works are renowned for their realism and attention to detail.
He used a technique known as “tenebrism,” which involved painting with strong contrasts of light and dark.
This technique helped to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality in his paintings.
Diego Velázquez Biography Summary
Full Name Diego Velázquez
Date of Birth June 6, 1599
Place of birth Seville, Spain
Occupation Painter
Wife Juana Pacheco
Children Francisca and Ignacia.
Diego Velázquez Net worth:
It is difficult to estimate Velázquez’s net worth, as he lived in a time before modern economic systems.
However, he was highly regarded by the Spanish court, and he received many lucrative commissions throughout his career.
Today, his works are considered some of the most valuable in the world.
In 2019, his painting “Portrait of Cardinal Camillo Massimi” sold for over $12 million at auction.
Conclusion:
Diego Velázquez is considered one of the greatest painters of all time.
He was a master of realism and his works continue to influence artists to this day.
His portraits are particularly admired for their psychological insight and attention to detail.
Velázquez’s legacy is felt not only in the art world but in popular culture as well.
His portrait of King Philip IV is featured on the Spanish 100 peseta note, and his painting “Las Meninas” has been referenced in literature, film, and television.
Diego Velázquez’s life and work continue to fascinate and inspire people around the world.