Short Bio
Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez, born June 6, 1599, in Seville, Spain, and passing on August 6, 1660, was the leading artist of the Spanish Golden Age and court painter to King Philip IV. A master of the Baroque period, Velázquez is celebrated for his keen observation and innovative use of light and shadow, bringing a remarkable realism to his portraits and scenes of everyday life.
His works, such as "Las Meninas" and "The Surrender of Breda," are lauded for their intricate detail, composition, and psychological depth, securing his legacy as one of the most important figures in Western art history.