10 Paintings: Diego Velazquez Trivia Quiz

Answer: Dutch

This early painting by Diego Velázquez was meant as a bit of glorification of the Spanish kingdom, considering it was in decline during Philip IV's commission of the painting. With the two sides painted respectfully, the Dutch leader, Justinus van Nassau, hands off the key of Breda to the victorious Spinola.

Answer: Royal Alcazar of Madrid

"Las Meninas" is a fascinating work in many ways. The perspective of the painting as well as the contrast of the colors lends scholars much to study. Diego Velázquez himself is in the painting, having been commissioned by Philip IV, who appears alongside his wife in a mirror in the background.

In 1734, the Royal Alcázar of Madrid, which was holding hundreds of precious artworks, went up in flames. Over 500 paintings were lost. "Las Meninas" happened to survive after being rescued from the fortress, though it didn't escape unscathed. The young princess in the painting suffered a burn to her cheek, though artists fixed the burn by painting over it.

Answer: False

In the art world, and psychology more broadly, there is a concept known as the "Venus effect." The Venus effect is when an impression is given to viewers that a character in a work of art or film is looking at themselves in a reflection when, geometrically and physically, this is impossible.

Reflections that show a straight-on view of the subject's face would instead be staring straight at the viewer. This technique has been used in the film world when characters are looking into a mirror. Instead of the actor looking at themselves in the mirror, they are directed to look at the camera; it is a trick that allows the viewer to see the subject more clearly.

Answer: True

Juan de Pareja was a Marisco, a group of former Muslims and their descendants who were forced to convert to Christianity in Spain. An assistant to Velázquez, he served as the subject of this painting, but he was also a talented painter in his own right. Velázquez granted his assistant a letter of freedom, which came into effect in 1654, allowing him to become a free man. Juan de Pareja lived until 1670, where he died in Madrid.

Answer: Innocent X

Not one to trust charlatans, Innocent X asked for proof of Velázquez's skills before he would allow the painter to take on his portrait. The Spaniard responded by painting a portrait of his assistant, Juan de Parejo. The pope saw the painting, and, pleased, agreed to sit for the painter.

The "Portrait of Innocent X" became one of the most famous portraits in history, and is perhaps the most famous amongst the papal portraits.

Answer: The Triumph of Bacchus

Velázquez followed in the tradition of earlier artists, such as Caravaggio, by painting mythological and religious figures in their own historical garb aside more contemporary figures in their own contemporary clothes. This mix of historical figures and styles adds a juxtaposition that shows the viewer that classical ideas can still apply to the present day.

Answer: contrapposto

The contrapposto technique is one commonly seen in the world of sculpture, including both Michelangelo's "David" and the "Venus de Milo". It first appeared in the times of ancient Greece. The technique makes use of the human body itself to display the subject's emotional state, whether it be serenity, pride, distress, etc.

In Diego Velázquez's painting, it is likely suggesting discomfort or distress, considering the subject's current circumstances.

Answer: Holy Roman Emperor

Margarita Theresa (anglicized as Margaret Theresa) would become the wife of Leopold I and the Holy Roman Empress at the age of 15. She and her husband had four live births and two miscarriages, with only one of the children surviving infancy. During her seventh pregnancy, Margarita Theresa died at the age of 21.

Answer: Seville period

Before Velázquez painted extravagant portraits of royal court members, he found himself displaying the working class on his canvases. These paintings were also heavy in use of chiaroscuro, which Velázquez was fond of using in several of his works, though not always.

There is some debate over this painting into whether the woman is frying or poaching an egg, which sometimes leads to the painting being titled "Old Woman Poaching Eggs".

Answer: Holy Spirit

The Holy Trinity can be found in this painting, the theme of which has been tackled by several other artists. It sits in the Museo del Prado, like many other Velázquez works. I find the cherubs to be particularly creepy in this painting, though some art historians consider them masterful.