Las Meninas

"Las Meninas," painted by Diego Velázquez in 1656, is a complex and enigmatic work that depicts the artist himself painting in the royal palace of Madrid, surrounded by members of the Spanish court, including the Infanta Margarita and her entourage. The painting is renowned for its sophisticated use of perspective, the interplay of light and shadow, and its exploration of the relationship between the viewer, the subjects, and the artist.

"Las Meninas" by Diego Velázquez, painted in 1656, is a large-scale oil on canvas that depicts a complex interior scene featuring the young Infanta Margarita Teresa surrounded by her entourage, including maids of honor, a dog, a dwarf, and a reflection of King Philip IV and Queen Mariana in a mirror. The composition is notable for its masterful use of perspective, light, and shadow, as well as the inclusion of Velázquez himself at a canvas, which invites viewers to consider the nature of representation and the role of the artist.