Called the greatest Spanish painter by Pablo Picasso and

Salvador Dali, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was

born in 1599 in Seville, and as early as 1620, he was

established as a painter, producing many genre scenes,

notably Old Woman Frying Eggs, and religious subjects,

such as The Adoration of the Magi and Christ in the House

of Martha and Mary. This informative book outlines his

royal connections and influences and describes his most

dramatic and emotive works. There is also a magnificent

gallery of 300 glorious images. This beautifully illustrated

book is essential reading for anyone who would like to

learn more about this master of painting, who influenced

so many later artists, and whom Édouard Manet called

the ‘painter of painters’.

• A comprehensive reference book on the life and works

of Diego Velázquez, the most important painter in the

Spanish Habsburg court of King Philip IV

• Offers a fascinating study of this individualistic artist’s

education, family life and influences, and all his

outstanding works

• Explores Velázquez’ progression from painting pictures

of everyday life to portraits of the Spanish royal family,

notably the artist’s crowning achievement in his most

recognized work, Las Meninas

• Features a wonderful gallery of Veláquez’ paintings,

accompanied by an expert analysis of each work, and a

description of his style and technique