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