Portrait of Mariana of Austria, Queen of Spain 1657

Diego Velázquez's "Portrait of Mariana of Austria, Queen of Spain" (1657), now housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, depicts the young queen in a simple yet elegant pose. The painting showcases Velázquez's mastery of capturing subtle expressions, as Mariana's gaze appears both introspective and slightly melancholic. The intricate details of her elaborate hair and gown, a testament to the opulence of the Spanish court, are rendered with meticulous precision. This portrait exemplifies Velázquez's style, which emphasized realism and naturalism, marking him as one of the most influential painters of the Spanish Golden Age.