Philip IV 1624

Diego Velázquez's "Philip IV" (1624) is a portrait of the King of Spain, Philip IV, in which he is depicted standing in a three-quarter-length pose. The king wears a black doublet and hose, a white lace collar, and a gold chain, and he holds a piece of paper in his left hand. The painting is a fine example of Velázquez's masterful use of light and shadow, as well as his ability to capture the personality of his sitters. The composition is simple and elegant, drawing the viewer's eye to the king's face and the details of his attire. The painting is notable for its realism and its portrayal of the king's dignity and authority.