Diego Velazquez

Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (baptized June 6, 1599, Sevilla, Spain—died August 6, 1660, Madrid) stands as the most significant Spanish painter of the 17th century, leaving an indelible mark on Western art. His naturalistic style served as a vehicle for expressing his remarkable powers of observation, capturing both living models and still life with unparalleled precision. Velázquez’s artistic journey—from a master of faithful likeness and characterization to the creator of masterpieces that evoke visual impressions—is truly exceptional. His diverse brushwork and subtle harmonies of color anticipated the effects later seen in 19th-century French Impressionism. His legacy endures as one of the world’s greatest artists .