Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel. My other channel, Great BOOKS Explained can be found here - www.youtube.com/@greatbooksexplained371 - thanks so much for your amazing support - James
Great Art Explained: Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez. 26.7.24. It's concerned with the female's hatred of their menfolk... or the collective female's hatred of one man in particular.
I have always been fascinated with this piece of artwork after seeing it in person on our travels in Spain. Thank you for sharing your very well done video. Well done!❤❤❤❤
Pre-watching: What's there to know about this boring portrait? Post-watching: Alot apparently. I love how every painting has such a interesting history and packground.
This was a wonderfull and informative video. Many years ago I saw Las Meninas in el prado and was amazed abd facinated . Now I see it with new meaning and understanding. Thank you. Seeing your art videos is like taking a course in art apreciation. As a great reader I also suscribe to great books explained and greatly looking foward to the new book Also maybe you could do a video on higashine. Love his work
Margarita Teresa of Spain did not die at 14 she died in her 20's after marrying her uncle the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold 1st and having 4 children. I believe she was around 14 when she was married.
One of my favourite ways to quietly start a Saturday is to brew some coffee, pet a cat, then to be absorbed into a new video from GAE while I sip my coffee and energize for the day. It is a tradition which is dependent on the release of your new videos, or on my forgetting enough of an old one to require another viewing. It energizes me both intellectually and spiritually for the whole day, your attention to detail in unveiling all relevant aspects of a work from the mundane to the majestic. This series has helped me to deepen my appreciation of all art, of the world around me, and to see a secret beauty in anything my eyes can observe. I thank the whole team of GAE for enriching my life.
I thought I was the only one . A man of culture, I see. Jokes aside I totally understand. Its tea for me becaus I like to zone out to the videos and also feel interlectually enchanced and much more relaxed. As well as enriched with my knowledge. Then I fall asleep because I watch it in bed after a long day.
When Dali was asked by a journalist what he would save in case of a fire in El Prado museum, he answered: "the air contained in Las Meninas". You really get the illusion of perceiving the dust particles floating in the air. If you turn the painting around you can see how much space Velazquez dedicates to capturing that "air". As a madrilian, I feel lucky to enjoy this painting often. Many thanks for the video, it is a masterclass indeed!
Art, History, Culture, Biography... I just love how you incorporate so many aspects in your explanations and analysis of the painting to give a comprehensive idea of how it came about and why, and for us to fully understand what we are seeing. Thank you!
A fantastic doc thanks for doing it!! I can’t wrap my head around how Velasquez could start with a blank canvas, paint without sketches, alla prima, and yet it results in something like ‘the crook of his arm being the exact vanishing point”. What a genius! I never get tired of learning more about Velasquez - awesome work thanks for everything you post!
I can't wait for you to tackle the depths and complexity of Hogarth's "A rake's progress" There's so much in those paintings that at first glance go unseen. This was brilliant, and I look forward to future episodes.
First visited the Prado as an 18 year old in 1973. The Spanish family I was staying with gave me an overview of Las Meninas and I have always been fascinated by the painting and Velazquez. It was obviously a source of pride to them and a part of the Spanish consciousness. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to see it without the hordes of tourists that are everywhere now and in my memory, it was quite an intimate viewing. Thank you for your research. I'll now watch it again!
Of course, both things are probably true: King Philip IV and María de Austria could be both in the room and the subject of the enormous painting by Diego Velázquez-the only question then is what is the mirror reflecting, the painting or the actual people? (Maybe that’s what you meant.) I _do_ agree with you, actually-Velázquez isn’t painting _us,_ obviously. It just makes sense that the king and queen are there. (And it’s not like mirrors in paintings have to obey the laws of physics-Vermeer’s _The Music Lesson_ famously didn’t, perhaps for more overtly “psychological” reasons.) Another dazzling video, James! The explanation of “implicit space” and the use of graphics to illustrate that just nails it and is very satisfying for that reason. I can’t imagine that any of the “meta-” aspects of the painting were entirely lost on the king and queen and the court-they weren’t idiots. It had to have given them a _frisson_ of delight to get, even if a bit unconsciously, that the painting _was_ “a painting about painting” (arguably the first) and that they _were_ in the painting-and they could just enjoy it.
Great thanks From Iran, You sir give me a feeling that somehow these Great mans are some of my dear friends that I can somehow have conversation with them
The first time I saw this painting at the Museo del Prado I was astonished but I didn't know why. Now I can't wait to revisit it!!! Thank you for your great explanation😊.
"I am shaken" every time I complete watching one your short films. I wish I could adequately express my gratitude in words. I'm left only with the ability to say, "Thank you very, very much for the fascinating insight & enlightenment you provide each time you upload. I am, indeed, most obliged.
The notion of "picture within a picture" in these paintings immediately reminds me of the Baroque of literature. The complex structure and Art as Play, the allegorical nature of the works, their concerns of the human destiny, these are all shared in the two fields and precursory to what are considered modern art.
Wow James! The concision and juxtaposition of artistic, cultural, social and scientific content to bring out the Las Meninas masterpiece is thrilling! After seeing your Black Paintings by Goya video, I wonder if you have a special affinity with Spanish culture? (Think a next logical video would be a Great Art Explained City video of Madrid or Barcelona). Thank you for such a fascinating and intelligent exposition of great paintings - watching your Velázquez video has really made my day. Love it!! 🙂
Great video , i like you how you not only explain the painting but also cultural , historical and the painters personal life context . It would be great to see more works of that era.
Thank you James! I’ve been waiting for you to explain this for so long, after seeing it many times in the Prado i continued to have questions. Gracias!
Another outstanding lecture from Professor Payne. I would like to see a video on Pieter Aertsen's work. I'm not familiar with him at all and the paintings included here are stunning.
I always get the feeling that I've stumbled onto a hidden gem when I watch your stories. The inclusion of "painting light" was genius because until you see it done, it's so mysterious.
Yo, Velazquez is kinda cute 🥵 but on a serious note this was another phenomenal video. I really enjoyed when he added the cross years after and how the brush and his hand become one. All these obvious parts of the painting only noticed when someone like yourself brings it to our attention.
James, you did it again. Admittedly Velazquez was always on the periphery of my art education. I knew he was “important” and I liked many works but never took a deep dive. Your insight, research and editing skills had me engaged throughout and I will certainly never look at Velazquez the same as I did before and look more closely at his brushwork. Bravo.
Your video on Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights was the first of your videos that I watched and I became an instant fan, and continue to be. You are my favourite art channel 🥰☺️
i had the great pleasure of seeing Las Meninas at The Prado many years ago... utterly unforgettable painting, and this video just makes it so much better!
That was a whole lot of content. The cross-pollination during this period of court/papal painting is fascinating. I'm going to reflect for a few days before coming back again.
You give us an understanding and more appreciation of these masterpieces, but your presentation (editing, research, passion...) is a masterpiece in and of itself. Thank you. I always look forward to your uploads. 🖤
There was an spanish tv show called the time ministry or the ministry of time. And Diego Velazques was the "forensic artist" in it, and it's awesome. Nothing to do with this video, but I just remembered the show.
Your videos are such a treat for me!!! I learn so much and am so entertained. Thank you for all of the many hours of work you put into creating and editing these wonderful gems ❤🔥
The best 30 minutes I spent today. The narrative style, the details, the research that went into this. As always, I'm left with no words to describe how grateful I am to this channel. Truly brilliant.
Interesting how societal values within the symbolic order have seemingly inverted. Now we revile the aristocratic nobleman and adore the rebellious and independent artist.
Your videos are always of the highest caliber. I don’t know your production techniques, but I’m drawn into your videos as one is drawn into the painting you just discussed. Thank you and keep up the wonderful work!
I visited Museo Del Prado last year, it was the reason I travelled to Madrid...I had this incredible piece of work on my list (as well as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, and Goya's Dark/Black Paintings, to name a few) Prado has to be experienced, it was one of the most amazing Museums I have ever been to, so well curated and organised. The way they displayed Goya's Dark paintings gave me chills, I almost cried....something none of my friends understand, haha. Las Meninas lived up to the hype for me, it was awe inspiring to stand in front of this painting and take it all in, especially given the perspective, ambiguous nature and ultimately what Velazquez was trying to infer. I took a long time with this painting, and revisited it before I left (do this with paintings that instantly grab me, I revisit them at the end of the day after seeing everything else). I took a tour with a Prado Guide and they gave great insight. Seeing it up close was thrilling. Thank you for sharing your expertise and knowledge with us here on You Tube, truly grateful for all of the work you put in.
Velazquez was the master of the painted sketch, capturing a likeness quickly and without using under drawing, however the fluidity of his work wasn’t always appreciated. I remember watching a recorded lecture released by the Metropolitan Museum of Art where they talked about a painting in their collection that had been attributed to a student of Velazquez rather than the master himself… until it was finally given a good cleaning and they realized that an earlier dealer had touched up the painting to make it look more ‘finished’. The cleaned painting revealed the master’s touch.
One of the coolest paintings I’ve seen in person. It’s huge, and I really felt like I was in the room with the Spanish royals. Thank you for this analysis!
The King was shaken, but I am also deeply moved by your skill to explain, explore and reveal Velasquez to us, your audience. Not only are you a wonderful teacher on this Subject that is so underrated in todays world, but through your eyes, knowledge and sensitivity you are profoundly inspiring, awakening in me the interest in paintings and painters on a deeper level I never knew was possible. Be blessed! Thank you. ❤
I've always loved this painting for Maria Bárbola especially. Her pose is the most dignified of them all, looking us straight in the eyes (and the king and queen as well). It was wonderful to see his many other respectful paintings of people with dwarfism. I long for the day when I get to visit the Prado and see this painting in real life!
I love how you introduce the technique, brush strokes, color, vanishing point, etc. It is something I always missed while studying art history. I wish we have more information about how actually these paintings were done.
I get so excited about every episode that comes out, it's like they never seem to come out fast enough! 😂 The suspense can be a nightmare! So glad for your channel ❤
hi james, could you maybe do a video on the work of zdzisław beksiński? he was a horror-dystopian artist from poland and his paintings are really fascinating. there are already some videos about him, but i was thinking maybe you could do one. thanks!
A tiny point of detail - in The Waterseller of Seville, the water is oozing through an unglazed earthenware jug, to cool the contents by evaporation. You can still buy such vessels in Spain (or at least you could 60 years ago, I own something similar). The virtuosity of observation and depiction is, of course, astounding.
I love all these videos so much, both art and books channels. I always learn so much, which helps me understand other works of art, too. (For instance, the way V paints the dwarfs with respect -- that's something to watch for. Also, his obvious love of animals.) Thank you for the time and energy you give to each of this offerings -- and for the years of preparation before that. 😊
Velázquez's life story is a lot more fascinating than I thought! Thank you for sharing it with us. This is truly the work of a top-tier craftsman; you need years of experience to create such a complex scene with so much depth and so many characters. Gosh, the way Velázquez composes his portraits and uses eye direction is inspiring!
Excellent! I really like how you articulate the key points that our brains seem to think on an instinctual level when looking at such magnificent paintings, but which we rarely seem to seem to discuss in words. Thanks again and I look forward to your future videos. I would particularly love to see a video on Frans Hals if possible!
I've never made a request until now. Find out what that dogs name is! Just kidding, his name was obviously good boy. I would love an episode of the animals. The deer and little white dog caught my attention. I named the white dog Lewis. What painting was Lewis in?
It would be great to see more south american artists, or just more latin american artists in general here. But i LOVE and learn so much from your videos! Greetings from Brazil!! 🇧🇷
EDIT: The issue has been fixed! I’m still watching the video but I thought I’d let you know that at 13:12 there’s a green rectangle here where the art should be. That being said, this is amazing so far, as always!
@@GreatArtExplained You’re welcome! It was an excellent deep dive! Your love of art and art history always shines through in these videos. Thank you for sharing that love and knowledge with us in such an accessible way. ❤
@@GreatArtExplained I actually sent you an email message about that error (and one more) very early on in case your wanted to repost it but, yeah, it's too late now. Oh, well. It’s still an outstanding video, anyway. 👍
Of all the fine art education channels on TH-cam this is the only one that is like, perfect. In that the facts always check out and the explanations are always on point and assumes the viewers are already past the surface levels of trivia questions the other channels usually are. Cause yeah this guy had some serious air's of grandeur. His ego was unbelievable But yeah all artists have huge ego but this particular one is..... And unless you explain the backdrop we'll no one would understand it.
@@GreatArtExplained my favorite part is how you never outright said but complete communicated ever so delicately what "air's" this guy really had. I would kinda like to point out about the concept of visualization into manifestation. Meaning he was trying to visualize the thing that he desires by ..... Well you know, like painting into being. And I am very glad that the same respect he gave to the little people in court was rewarded in kind by the King to his own true friend. He gained it through his merits and THAT is truly noble is it not?
Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel. My other channel, Great BOOKS Explained can be found here - www.youtube.com/@greatbooksexplained371 - thanks so much for your amazing support - James
Great Art Explained: Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez. 26.7.24. It's concerned with the female's hatred of their menfolk... or the collective female's hatred of one man in particular.
Just FYI you're missing a painting a 13:09
@@laceisaverb ????
I have always been fascinated with this piece of artwork after seeing it in person on our travels in Spain. Thank you for sharing your very well done video. Well done!❤❤❤❤
@@genebolyard3720 Oasis Headline Slane Castle, Co. Meath, Ireland 2009
I so look forward to your video's. Its like having a personal art history lesson each time. You are a wonderful teacher.
Thank you so much 😀
I live in a place where art in general isn’t easily accessible through a museum. So I always get excited every time a new video is up❤
Pre-watching: What's there to know about this boring portrait?
Post-watching: Alot apparently. I love how every painting has such a interesting history and packground.
This was a wonderfull and informative video. Many years ago I saw Las Meninas in el prado and was amazed abd facinated . Now I see it with new meaning and understanding. Thank you. Seeing your art videos is like taking a course in art apreciation. As a great reader I also suscribe to great books explained and greatly looking foward to the new book
Also maybe you could do a video on higashine. Love his work
Artists have used mirrors for centuries to aid in painting from life. It’s quite likely Valazquez used the mirror in this matter.
Margarita Teresa of Spain did not die at 14 she died in her 20's after marrying her uncle the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold 1st and having 4 children. I believe she was around 14 when she was married.
Your videos are a piece of art themselves!
Thanks for the comment! 🙏
💯
Hundreds of years later and people are still debating how it all makes sense. What a genius.
I am glad i have someone who will explain me about paintings ☺☺
Thank you 🙏
Well come😁😁
Me too! Tks
Same
One of my favourite ways to quietly start a Saturday is to brew some coffee, pet a cat, then to be absorbed into a new video from GAE while I sip my coffee and energize for the day. It is a tradition which is dependent on the release of your new videos, or on my forgetting enough of an old one to require another viewing. It energizes me both intellectually and spiritually for the whole day, your attention to detail in unveiling all relevant aspects of a work from the mundane to the majestic. This series has helped me to deepen my appreciation of all art, of the world around me, and to see a secret beauty in anything my eyes can observe. I thank the whole team of GAE for enriching my life.
Couldn't agree more!
I thought I was the only one .
A man of culture, I see.
Jokes aside I totally understand.
Its tea for me becaus I like to zone out to the videos and also feel interlectually enchanced and much more relaxed.
As well as enriched with my knowledge.
Then I fall asleep because I watch it in bed after a long day.
The amount of effort and research that goes into every video makes this channel a great work of art in itself.
I appreciate that comment 🙏
I love your videos I have prints in my house of many of the paintings you’ve explained and showcased 🕊️🙏💕🇬🇧
Wonderful!
same!
When Dali was asked by a journalist what he would save in case of a fire in El Prado museum, he answered: "the air contained in Las Meninas". You really get the illusion of perceiving the dust particles floating in the air. If you turn the painting around you can see how much space Velazquez dedicates to capturing that "air". As a madrilian, I feel lucky to enjoy this painting often. Many thanks for the video, it is a masterclass indeed!
Art, History, Culture, Biography... I just love how you incorporate so many aspects in your explanations and analysis of the painting to give a comprehensive idea of how it came about and why, and for us to fully understand what we are seeing. Thank you!
Love it❤
A fantastic doc thanks for doing it!! I can’t wrap my head around how Velasquez could start with a blank canvas, paint without sketches, alla prima, and yet it results in something like ‘the crook of his arm being the exact vanishing point”. What a genius! I never get tired of learning more about Velasquez - awesome work thanks for everything you post!
VeláZquez
One of my favorite works, by one of my favorite Spanish artists... Thank you for this fine description!
I can't wait for you to tackle the depths and complexity of Hogarth's "A rake's progress" There's so much in those paintings that at first glance go unseen. This was brilliant, and I look forward to future episodes.
Was going to sugest that so I second the request
One of my favorite channels. I appreciate your insight. Thank you. 👏
I appreciate that!
This video could've ended with a video of you two looking at that painting - just like Velazquez, you're raising your profession to new heights
Thank you sir 🙏
First visited the Prado as an 18 year old in 1973. The Spanish family I was staying with gave me an overview of Las Meninas and I have always been fascinated by the painting and Velazquez. It was obviously a source of pride to them and a part of the Spanish consciousness. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to see it without the hordes of tourists that are everywhere now and in my memory, it was quite an intimate viewing. Thank you for your research. I'll now watch it again!
Of course, both things are probably true: King Philip IV and María de Austria could be both in the room and the subject of the enormous painting by Diego Velázquez-the only question then is what is the mirror reflecting, the painting or the actual people? (Maybe that’s what you meant.) I _do_ agree with you, actually-Velázquez isn’t painting _us,_ obviously. It just makes sense that the king and queen are there. (And it’s not like mirrors in paintings have to obey the laws of physics-Vermeer’s _The Music Lesson_ famously didn’t, perhaps for more overtly “psychological” reasons.)
Another dazzling video, James! The explanation of “implicit space” and the use of graphics to illustrate that just nails it and is very satisfying for that reason. I can’t imagine that any of the “meta-” aspects of the painting were entirely lost on the king and queen and the court-they weren’t idiots. It had to have given them a _frisson_ of delight to get, even if a bit unconsciously, that the painting _was_ “a painting about painting” (arguably the first) and that they _were_ in the painting-and they could just enjoy it.
Thanks for the great comment! 🙏
I love that in such a short time you manage to not only explain but completely contextualise art
Great thanks From Iran, You sir give me a feeling that somehow these Great mans are some of my dear friends that I can somehow have conversation with them
Love that comment - thanks 🙏
The first time I saw this painting at the Museo del Prado I was astonished but I didn't know why. Now I can't wait to revisit it!!! Thank you for your great explanation😊.
Wonderful! Thanks 🙏
I went to Madrid and somehow forgot to go the the Prado... kicking myself ever since.
@@bearhustler 🥰
Excellent work! Your videos are the best! I always get so excited when I see a new video in the making! Keep up the good work❤️
Oh thanks for the comment!
"I am shaken" every time I complete watching one your short films. I wish I could adequately express my gratitude in words. I'm left only with the ability to say, "Thank you very, very much for the fascinating insight & enlightenment you provide each time you upload. I am, indeed, most obliged.
Same here, tears of joy
Very nicely put.
What a masterful documentary! Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
So much gratitude for the work that goes into these videos and all of the wonderful insights and take away. Bravo!
Thank you kindly!
The notion of "picture within a picture" in these paintings immediately reminds me of the Baroque of literature. The complex structure and Art as Play, the allegorical nature of the works, their concerns of the human destiny, these are all shared in the two fields and precursory to what are considered modern art.
Velázquez has always been a fav
tyvm for another excellent upload, eh 🤟
🫎🇨🇦😁
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow James! The concision and juxtaposition of artistic, cultural, social and scientific content to bring out the Las Meninas masterpiece is thrilling! After seeing your Black Paintings by Goya video, I wonder if you have a special affinity with Spanish culture? (Think a next logical video would be a Great Art Explained City video of Madrid or Barcelona). Thank you for such a fascinating and intelligent exposition of great paintings - watching your Velázquez video has really made my day. Love it!! 🙂
That comment has made my day 🙏
Great video , i like you how you not only explain the painting but also cultural , historical and the painters personal life context .
It would be great to see more works of that era.
Thank you so much 😀
This was so beautifully explained. My thanks to you. ❤
Oh thank you 🙏
I love how much enigma there is in great paintings
Notification gang 🔥
🔥
It's such a joy watching your videos. Waiting time is always rewarded; and it is a fair deal.
I appreciate that!
So informative, always enjoyable.
Great job James! I could listen to you talk about art all day!
An incredible breakdown, as usual! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you James! I’ve been waiting for you to explain this for so long, after seeing it many times in the Prado i continued to have questions. Gracias!
Gracias 🙏 Thanks for the comment!
Another outstanding lecture from Professor Payne. I would like to see a video on Pieter Aertsen's work. I'm not familiar with him at all and the paintings included here are stunning.
There is always so much more than meets the eye. Thank you for explaining this extraordinary, captivating painting.
My pleasure 😊
Another great video about an artist i didn't know much about it, yay!
I always get the feeling that I've stumbled onto a hidden gem when I watch your stories. The inclusion of "painting light" was genius because until you see it done, it's so mysterious.
Your shows are outstanding! This one was so wonderful!
Oh thanks 🙏
We are happy when you post a new video! You make the world happier!!!
That comment made me happy! Thanks 🙏
Your videos are getting better and better! Thank you for fixing the repetetive music with every new chapter in this one!
Thanks - I’m still learning!
And now I've got to go to Madrid! Wonderful as ever. Thank you.
You should!
I always felt sorry for the dog in that painting. That's no way of treating our four legged companions!
I know what you mean!!
@@GreatArtExplained Great Art Explained: Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez. 26.7.24. an image of and enjoyed by benighted muckers....
Glad to see Velazquez get a video! I’d love to see a video on Raphael’s The School of Athens.
I am watching this right now in front of the Las Meninas in El prado museum. Great explanation!
Yo, Velazquez is kinda cute 🥵 but on a serious note this was another phenomenal video. I really enjoyed when he added the cross years after and how the brush and his hand become one. All these obvious parts of the painting only noticed when someone like yourself brings it to our attention.
Great Work as Always!
Thank you! Cheers!
These videos make my week. Nothing compares on the internet. Bravo!
Finally, an introduction to Velazquez’s work done by someone of unquestionable skill and sensitivity for art. Bravo James!
James, you did it again. Admittedly Velazquez was always on the periphery of my art education. I knew he was “important” and I liked many works but never took a deep dive. Your insight, research and editing skills had me engaged throughout and I will certainly never look at Velazquez the same as I did before and look more closely at his brushwork. Bravo.
Thank you 🙏
Your video on Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights was the first of your videos that I watched and I became an instant fan, and continue to be.
You are my favourite art channel 🥰☺️
Wow, thank you! 🙏
i had the great pleasure of seeing Las Meninas at The Prado many years ago... utterly unforgettable painting, and this video just makes it so much better!
i absolutely adore all the detail and sensitivity with which cultural aspects are treated and context is given. it‘s so respectful and kind.
What a lovely comment thanks 🙏
That was a whole lot of content. The cross-pollination during this period of court/papal painting is fascinating. I'm going to reflect for a few days before coming back again.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I am so glad you tackled this amazing painting and artist!
Glad you liked it!
You give us an understanding and more appreciation of these masterpieces, but your presentation (editing, research, passion...) is a masterpiece in and of itself. Thank you. I always look forward to your uploads. 🖤
The slave of velasquez: Juan, was really given his freedom for his talents by order of the king felipe iv ... Juan de Parejas was amazing.
I am shook
Thank you for this production. It truly is an artwork in its own right. Very well written and developed.
There was an spanish tv show called the time ministry or the ministry of time. And Diego Velazques was the "forensic artist" in it, and it's awesome. Nothing to do with this video, but I just remembered the show.
What a genius! His paintings within a painting is astonishingly precise!
Your videos are such a treat for me!!! I learn so much and am so entertained. Thank you for all of the many hours of work you put into creating and editing these wonderful gems ❤🔥
The best 30 minutes I spent today. The narrative style, the details, the research that went into this. As always, I'm left with no words to describe how grateful I am to this channel. Truly brilliant.
the finest painting
It's always a treat when I see a new video from you in my feed! Lovely video as always!
Thank you very much!
Interesting how societal values within the symbolic order have seemingly inverted. Now we revile the aristocratic nobleman and adore the rebellious and independent artist.
RIP Diego Velázquez you would have loved photography 😔😢
Your videos are always of the highest caliber. I don’t know your production techniques, but I’m drawn into your videos as one is drawn into the painting you just discussed. Thank you and keep up the wonderful work!
I visited Museo Del Prado last year, it was the reason I travelled to Madrid...I had this incredible piece of work on my list (as well as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, and Goya's Dark/Black Paintings, to name a few) Prado has to be experienced, it was one of the most amazing Museums I have ever been to, so well curated and organised. The way they displayed Goya's Dark paintings gave me chills, I almost cried....something none of my friends understand, haha.
Las Meninas lived up to the hype for me, it was awe inspiring to stand in front of this painting and take it all in, especially given the perspective, ambiguous nature and ultimately what Velazquez was trying to infer. I took a long time with this painting, and revisited it before I left (do this with paintings that instantly grab me, I revisit them at the end of the day after seeing everything else). I took a tour with a Prado Guide and they gave great insight. Seeing it up close was thrilling.
Thank you for sharing your expertise and knowledge with us here on You Tube, truly grateful for all of the work you put in.
What a great comment! Thanks 🙏
Velazquez was the master of the painted sketch, capturing a likeness quickly and without using under drawing, however the fluidity of his work wasn’t always appreciated. I remember watching a recorded lecture released by the Metropolitan Museum of Art where they talked about a painting in their collection that had been attributed to a student of Velazquez rather than the master himself… until it was finally given a good cleaning and they realized that an earlier dealer had touched up the painting to make it look more ‘finished’. The cleaned painting revealed the master’s touch.
Thank you!!! I enjoy you videos very much: I am a Mexican - Spaniard, living in Egypt. Waiting for the next one!
Wow that’s a real combination of influences!
One of the coolest paintings I’ve seen in person. It’s huge, and I really felt like I was in the room with the Spanish royals. Thank you for this analysis!
The King was shaken, but I am also deeply moved by your skill to explain, explore and reveal Velasquez to us, your audience. Not only are you a wonderful teacher on this Subject that is so underrated in todays world, but through your eyes, knowledge and sensitivity you are profoundly inspiring, awakening in me the interest in paintings and painters on a deeper level I never knew was possible. Be blessed! Thank you. ❤
Absolutely fantastic. Thank you, James!
I've always loved this painting for Maria Bárbola especially. Her pose is the most dignified of them all, looking us straight in the eyes (and the king and queen as well). It was wonderful to see his many other respectful paintings of people with dwarfism.
I long for the day when I get to visit the Prado and see this painting in real life!
I love how you introduce the technique, brush strokes, color, vanishing point, etc. It is something I always missed while studying art history. I wish we have more information about how actually these paintings were done.
I get so excited about every episode that comes out, it's like they never seem to come out fast enough! 😂 The suspense can be a nightmare! So glad for your channel ❤
I would love to watch a whole series on Velazquez from this channel.
The king. . . visiting Diego's studio. 👀 Mhm. He and Phillip "close friends." "One friend" the 👑💖 King
hi james, could you maybe do a video on the work of zdzisław beksiński? he was a horror-dystopian artist from poland and his paintings are really fascinating. there are already some videos about him, but i was thinking maybe you could do one. thanks!
Amazing video. Thank you.
Thanks for the comment! 🙏
A tiny point of detail - in The Waterseller of Seville, the water is oozing through an unglazed earthenware jug, to cool the contents by evaporation. You can still buy such vessels in Spain (or at least you could 60 years ago, I own something similar). The virtuosity of observation and depiction is, of course, astounding.
I love all these videos so much, both art and books channels. I always learn so much, which helps me understand other works of art, too. (For instance, the way V paints the dwarfs with respect -- that's something to watch for. Also, his obvious love of animals.) Thank you for the time and energy you give to each of this offerings -- and for the years of preparation before that. 😊
Velázquez's life story is a lot more fascinating than I thought! Thank you for sharing it with us.
This is truly the work of a top-tier craftsman; you need years of experience to create such a complex scene with so much depth and so many characters. Gosh, the way Velázquez composes his portraits and uses eye direction is inspiring!
A magnificent doco, thank you
Thank you too!
James, one of your best videos. Yet. This will continue to inspire for a long, long time. Thank you very much. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Excellent! I really like how you articulate the key points that our brains seem to think on an instinctual level when looking at such magnificent paintings, but which we rarely seem to seem to discuss in words. Thanks again and I look forward to your future videos. I would particularly love to see a video on Frans Hals if possible!
I've never made a request until now. Find out what that dogs name is! Just kidding, his name was obviously good boy. I would love an episode of the animals. The deer and little white dog caught my attention. I named the white dog Lewis. What painting was Lewis in?
It would be great to see more south american artists, or just more latin american artists in general here. But i LOVE and learn so much from your videos! Greetings from Brazil!! 🇧🇷
Magnificent work as always, thank you for this lesson.
p.s. Can we expect a episode on Don Quixote on your other channel?
Please 😊
EDIT: The issue has been fixed!
I’m still watching the video but I thought I’d let you know that at 13:12 there’s a green rectangle here where the art should be.
That being said, this is amazing so far, as always!
@@hannahreynolds7611 That is ridiculous! James doesn’t deserve that. I’m still holding a grudge over his last video being taken down. Ugh.
Damn - it’s too late now but thanks 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained You’re welcome! It was an excellent deep dive! Your love of art and art history always shines through in these videos. Thank you for sharing that love and knowledge with us in such an accessible way. ❤
@@GreatArtExplained I actually sent you an email message about that error (and one more) very early on in case your wanted to repost it but, yeah, it's too late now. Oh, well. It’s still an outstanding video, anyway. 👍
@@jeff__wit’s fixed now Jeff
Of all the fine art education channels on TH-cam this is the only one that is like, perfect. In that the facts always check out and the explanations are always on point and assumes the viewers are already past the surface levels of trivia questions the other channels usually are.
Cause yeah this guy had some serious air's of grandeur.
His ego was unbelievable
But yeah all artists have huge ego but this particular one is..... And unless you explain the backdrop we'll no one would understand it.
Thanks for the comment 🙏 I appreciate it!
@@GreatArtExplained my favorite part is how you never outright said but complete communicated ever so delicately what "air's" this guy really had.
I would kinda like to point out about the concept of visualization into manifestation. Meaning he was trying to visualize the thing that he desires by ..... Well you know, like painting into being.
And I am very glad that the same respect he gave to the little people in court was rewarded in kind by the King to his own true friend. He gained it through his merits and THAT is truly noble is it not?
@@GreatArtExplained cause saying know thy station to that guy was NOT an option 🙄
Amazing! I've had the opportunity to the visit the Prado twice and see this painting in person, and it's very impressive.