My favorite portrait of all time was painted by Velasquez, and lives in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Its subject, Juan de Pareja, was also a painter. I discovered him in the late 70s, when I was living in Manhattan, making a monthly pilgrimage to the Met to escape my coursework.
For years, I had a postcard of this painting on the bookshelves above my desk. One very hot night 20+ years ago, when it was impossible to sleep, I unearthed an old set of watercolors and pulled an all-nighter painting my homage. My only light was a pre-halogen desk lamp with a very yellow glow, so I didn't realize until the morning that I'd been rather heavy-handed with the yellow paint!
5 comments:
awesome painting!
There is a general consensus among art critics that this Valazquez portrait is the finest portrait of all time. I too have seen the original in the Met and I must say I agree. It exemplifies everything that is wonderful about art; beauty, power, dignity and a respect for the craft and the medium. This painting will bring a true art lover to tears.
It came out great!
well done, i like the piece you chose
Wonderful!
(I found your site and this picture via Illustration Friday.)
The painting is very nice. I love the story along side it as well.
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