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Luis Miguel Goitizolo

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RE: 17th century Spanish painter Diego Velazquez, a giant of Western art
3/15/2014 1:33:01 AM

According to historical sources, Velazquez painted this celebrate portrait of Juan de Pareja, his Moor slave and assistant, during his second sojourn to Italy, where it caused huge impression in his influential Roman acquaitances when it was carried around to them by Pareja himself.


Diego Velazquez - Portrait of Juan de Pareja
(oil on canvas, c.1650)


"Choose a job you love and you will not have to work a day in your life" (Confucius)

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Luis Miguel Goitizolo

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RE: 17th century Spanish painter Diego Velazquez, a giant of Western art
3/15/2014 2:12:38 AM

Also, specialists say that it was as a consequence of the "Pareja episode" that Velazquez was immediately commissioned this magnificent portrait of pope Innocent X.


Diego Velazquez - Portrait of Pope Innocent X
(oil on canvas, 1650)


"Choose a job you love and you will not have to work a day in your life" (Confucius)

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Luis Miguel Goitizolo

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RE: 17th century Spanish painter Diego Velazquez, a giant of Western art
3/16/2014 1:43:00 AM

La Venus del espejo ('Venus at her Mirror', also called 'The Toilet of Venus' and 'The Rokeby Venus') was probably painted during Velazquez's visit to Italy, between 1647 and 1651. Treasured at the National Gallery in London, the work depicts Venus lying on a bed and looking into a mirror held by the Roman god of love, her son Cupid. (*)


Diego Velazquez - Venus at her Mirror ('La Venus del espejo')
(oil on canvas, circa 1647 - 1651)


(*) "In a number of ways the painting represents a pictorial departure, through its central use of a mirror, and because it shows the body of Venus turned away from the observer of the painting." (Wikipedia)



"Choose a job you love and you will not have to work a day in your life" (Confucius)

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Roger Macdivitt .

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RE: 17th century Spanish painter Diego Velazquez, a giant of Western art
3/16/2014 11:01:15 AM
Some paintings have a story, a presence and a beauty that cannot be described.
The Venus painting, National gallery and the El Greco "Temple" painting have that presence despite the stunning quality of other paintings in Room 30.
Take a look at the room, see the other paintings and wonder at a painting that eclipses the other masterworks.

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/floorplans/level-2/room-30

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Luis Miguel Goitizolo

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RE: 17th century Spanish painter Diego Velazquez, a giant of Western art
3/18/2014 1:05:02 AM

Thank you Roger for your comments.

I have just followed your link and I am marveled to see the list of Velazquez's works treasured in your National Gallery. I will say it again, you certainly are fortunate to live in a country where institutions and authorities really favor art and culture.

Thanks again,

Miguel



"Choose a job you love and you will not have to work a day in your life" (Confucius)

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