SP-V007-1991

Velázquez: The Painter of Painters

Video

VHS

Romance Languages

No

Available

" In the 17th century, those who worked with their hands were generally considered unworthy of nobility. Yet on November 28, 1659, Diego de Silva Velazquez was admitted to the Order of Santiago, whose emblem, a red cross, the painter wears in his self-portrait in Las Meninas. Legend has it that the cross was added to the canvas after Velazquez death by none other than Philip IV himself. This film on Velazquez explores the special relationship between an artist and a king. At a recent exhibition at the Prado in Madrid, director Didier K. Baussy was granted special access to film the 79 paintings on display. (Velazquez painted fewer than 100.) This portrait of the artist looks to Velazquez works to reveal his character: from the paintings of his youth, to those of the royal family and entourage, destined for the walls of the Spanish palace. Through his works and historical evidence, we begin to grasp the scope of Velazquez achievements and gain a better understanding of this enigmatic painter." Notes: none. Director: Baussy. Actors: n/a . Color. Country: Espa–a. No Subtitles.