In spite of the National Gallery's impressive collection - they own nine of the 80 surviving works - this is Britain's first ever major retrospective of the career of Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599-1660).
The leading artist in the court of King Philip IV, Velazquez is most famed as a portrait painter of rare skill, bringing perfectly observed psychology and intense dignity to his carefully observed subjects. This exhibition includes the three exquisite portraits he made of the royal children, and his sensitive portrait of Lezcano, the court dwarf. More dramatic are his classical and Biblical scenes, including the luminous 'Apollo at the Forge of Vulcan' and 'The Temptation of St Thomas Aquinas'.
There will be an unprecedented response to this blockbuster show, and The National Gallery have moved a large chunk of their permanent collection out to the Sainsbury Wing to make room for the crowds. Book early if you want to visit at the weekend.
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In spite of the National Gallery's impressive collection - they own nine of the 80 surviving works - this is Britain's first ever major retrospective of the career of Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599-1660).
