Las meninas 1656

What is the mystery of ‘Las Meninas’? 👑👀 ‘Las Meninas’ is a huge oil painting by the Spanish Golden Age painter Diego Velázquez (1599-1660), completed in 1656. The title is the Spanish term for ‘ladies in waiting’, which might offer us a clue in the quest to uncover the painting’s narrative. ‘Las Meninas’ emerged from Habsburg Spain. The Catholic House of Habsburg ruled from 1516 to 1700; during this time, the Spanish Empire expanded to include the West Indies, as well as parts of Europe and Southeast Asia. Can you identify any symbols of power and privilege in this iconic painting? 💰 At the centre of the composition is the child princess Margaret Theresa of Spain (1651-1673), the eldest daughter of King Philip IV (1605-1665). Dressed in an extravagant and fashionable wide skirt, she directly faces the viewer and stares out of the canvas to meet our gaze. The pale colour palette of her dress and blonde hair is striking against the dramatic dark tones which dominate the rest of the painting. 🖼️ Alongside Margaret Theresa is a host of enigmatic figures. The princess is surrounded by her ladies in waiting, who were employed to attend and assist the aristocracy. Also included are Maria Bárbola and Nicolasito Pertusato (two courtesans with dwarfism) as well as the painter Velázquez himself. Velázquez stands at the left of the scene, clutching a palette. Interestingly, his doublet (fitted jacket) bears the red cross associated with the Order of Santiago. He did not receive this title until after completing ‘Las Meninas’; this sign was added after the artist’s death as a mark of respect. 🫡 The baroque grandeur and richness of this painting is complemented by its busy and bustling atmosphere. Velázquez has experimented with untraditional rules of perspective which provide a striking dynamism. This work has proved hugely influential, and still fascinates scholars to this day. It even inspired Picasso to paint a variation in 1957! 🎨🖌️ More recently, scholarship on this painting has shifted to analyse its imperialist roots, as well as its complex depictions of social class. How does Velázquez communicate the power of the aristocracy in the work? 👑👇 Editor: Lucy Jude Grantham