#1650's

Las Meninas, 1656, by Diego Velázquez (1599-1660), and Las Meninas, 1957 by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

The painting of Las Meninas by Velázquez is regarded as one of the best paintings in the world, due to the unique atmosphere and techniques it reflects. The lighting, use of depth and perspective, set up of the subject matter, and even the tiny details barely seen in the background. While it is a painting depicting royalty, it is also a testament to Velázquez’s success. Even though months were put into this painting, it plays as a snapshot of a moment in time, it fools the viewer.

The copying of past works has always been present, for many reasons such as imitation, developing skills, inspiration of composition, etc. Picasso was no different, as he frequently put his own spin on famous historical artworks. He created many different interpretations of this specific work, but this is perhaps his most recognised piece. Even Picasso’s choice of medium - oil - is fitting for the work.

Picasso examined every detail of Velázquez’s masterpiece, and produced a work incorporating each and every bit into his own. While the composition is quite accurate, clearly the style, colour palette, and atmosphere, are vastly different.

Doublet ca. 1650-65

Doublet ca. 1650-60

1650s illustration from Robert Hooke’s Micrographia