Diego Velasquez and his rendition to infanta Margarita Theresa

Diego Rodriguez De Silva y Velasquez (June 6, 1599-August 6, 1660) was the leading artist in King Philip's IV court from the baroque period. This Spanish artist was the creator of many of the portraits of the Spanish Royal family. Many of his paintings included portraits of King Philip's "favorite" daughter, infanta Margarita Theresa. Diego Velasquez ultimate masterpiece was "Las meninas."

One of Diego Velasquez' famous painting was "Las Meninas" (maids of honor) this painting has been examined for years now and it has been difficult to examine what the specific and main subject of the painting is due to the fact that there are three possible main subjects we can see. In the center we appreciate infanta Margarita Theresa being courted by her ladies around her, we then can appreciate the artist himself Diego Velasquez in the painting to the left side and finally the King and Queen are in the middle reflected in a mirror standing as spectators. I can only think that if he painted all three then all of them are the main subjects and characters of the painting although infanta Margarita is in the middle, Diego Velasquez' intention was to include the King, Queen and himself in this painting.

This painting by Diego Velasquez is truly my favorite because of how infanta Margarita Theresa is being courted and how the painting looks like it was painted in an instant as if it was a snapshot. The interesting points in this painting were also the dwarf and dog painted in the court. Another point in this painting was Diego Velasquez because although this painting was not a self-portrait, it does include the paintor himself. Diego Velasquez can be seen staring directly out to the viewers however, it can somehow also represent that he was looking at the King and Queen that were outside of the picture but once painted in it they were automatically brought inside the picture space.

Margarita Theresa daughter of King Philip IV of Spain was immortalized on painting by Diego Velasquez on many occasions. King Philip IV referred to his daughter as "my joy" on his private letters. Being that Margarita Theresa was the King's favorite child he had several paintings of her, one being a self portrait of her as a child or "infanta." This portrait is truly fascinating to me, the way Diego Velasquez used the light and dark gold all over her is interesting because she seems like she's a porcelain little doll. From the way she's posing, to her hair, to her clothing, to her facial expression everything seems in place and perfect.

- Jessica Morales