Meditations on Gallery 625


 This portrait of Juan de Pareja is by renowned Spanish painter  Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez.  Velazquez was a court painter in the court of Philip IV of Spain.  In 1649 he was sent of Italy to purchase works of art for the Alcazar in Madrid.  This painting was exhibited for the first time in Rome during that tour and was widely acclaimed. Juan de Para had been a slave in Valazquez household for many years when this was painted. He was an artist in his own right who assisted Vazquez and also produced many of his own paintings which were also well received.  This painting was widely acclaimed.  Shortly after the painting was finished Velazquez signed paper freeing de Pareja.  De Pareja went on to become a very successful painter in Madrid.  De Pareja was of African descent but was born in southern Spain.  Enslaved labor was common in Spain at the time and was often used by artists and artisans.



This painting "The Calling of St. Matthew" was done by dePareja and hangs in the Prado museum in Madrid.

Comments

  1. jimJuly 17, 2026 at 4:57 PM

    how interesting. a different take on slavery than we often have in the US. thanks.

    ReplyDelete

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