Born in Seville, in 1599, Diego Velázquez would become one of the greatest painters of the Baroque era. A contemporary of artists such as Peter Paul Rubens and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, he rose from humble beginnings to become the trusted confidante of King Phillip IV of Spain, and the only painter allowed to paint the King’s portrait. 

Velázquez’s early paintings were scenes of everyday life; meticulously crafted images of people cooking or serving, painted with innate dignity and focus. By the age of twenty-five, he had become part of the royal court, where he created portraits of the ruling family and their courtiers as well as painting religious and mythological subjects. Allowed to travel to Italy to study the Italian masters and buy works for the Royal Collection, Velázquez also painted a compelling portrait of the Pope – a work of deep psychological insight and power. 

This session with Jo Walton will explore Velázquez’s life, paintings, and legacy, from his friendship with fellow artist Rubens, to his subtle, complex and enigmatic paintings, including 'Las Meninas', which would become one of the most influential paintings of the seventeenth century, inspiring modern artists such as Picasso, Richard Hamilton and Michael Craig Martin.