Arcadópolis
Portrait of a Man
Diego Velázquez, c. 1630–1635
What you see
A man is shown from the chest up, his body turned sideways and his head swung round to look at us over his shoulder. His gaze is direct. He has dark hair with a tuft on top, a moustache with curling tips and a short goatee. His black-clad body fills the lower part of the canvas, while his head stands alone against the plain background.
The palette is minimal: black, brownish grey, the white of the collar and the pinks of the face. Light from the left models the forehead, nose and cheek. The clothing is only roughed in with broad patches, while the face is far more finished. Spot the moist glint in his eyes.
About Diego Velázquez
Diego Velázquez was born in Seville and was painter to King Philip IV in Madrid for almost forty years. He painted with loose brushstrokes that look like smudges up close and turn into lace, silk and living eyes from afar. Many painters, such as Goya and Picasso, considered him their great master.
More by Diego Velázquez
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