14 little-known facts about the masterpiece of Velazquez "Las Meninas"

Painting by Diego velázquez, "Las Meninas" is one of the masterpieces of Madrid's Prado Museum. It would seem, this famous painting of the XVII century know everything. However, many critics believe that in fact, the picture hides a lot of secrets.

For example, the encrypted self-portrait of the artist. Moreover, the self-portrait is not real and the ideal, which the painter describes not how it is, and how he would like to have in reality. In this review, we will lift the veil of secrecy over this beautiful canvas.

"Las Meninas" can be called a Royal portrait

In the center of the painting is Infanta Margarita Teresa, who after 10 years of writing the "Menin" will be proclaimed Empress, wife of Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor, king of Bohemia and Hungary. Her reign lasted from 1666 to 1673, and Margaret died at the age of just 21 years. Although it has been depicted in many portraits, but "Las Meninas" is the most famous painting.

Doña maría Agustina Sarmiento de Sotomayor.

In the picture are the king and Queen

The king of Spain Philip IV and his wife Mariana of Austria.

Velázquez was court painter to the king.

Only one man in the picture remain unidentified

Unknown in the door.

The biggest mystery is what really wanted to portray Velasquez

After 10 years of Infanta Margarita Theresa becomes Empress, wife of Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor, king of Bohemia and Hungary.

"Las Meninas" — a view of the Royal couple

Beloved Mastiff to the Infanta.

Philip IV.

The picture was altered after his death by order of the king

Knight of the order of Santiago.

The size of the picture

Maria Barbola midget, dwarf Nicolas Pertusato.

"Las Meninas" was transferred by the king to the Museum

Mentor Princess doña Marcela de Ulloa and unknown guardadas.

Doña Isabel de Velasco.

"Las Meninas" of Velasquez, made famous 150 years after his death

"Las Meninas", an imitation of Pablo Picasso.

In the UK has its own version of the picture

"Las Meninas" By James Abbott Whistler.