Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez

Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was a Spanish painter born in 1599 and active until his death in 1660. He is a prominent figure of the Baroque art movement, renowned for his masterful use of light and shadow, as well as his innovative compositions. Velázquez served as the court painter to King Philip IV of Spain, which significantly influenced his work and elevated his status in the art world. His most famous painting, "Las Meninas," is celebrated for its complex perspective and exploration of reality and illusion. Velázquez's contributions to portraiture and genre painting have had a lasting impact on the development of Western art. His techniques and style continue to inspire artists and scholars alike.