1650
Oil on canvas
Juan de Pareja was the slave of Velazquez. It was common for
slaves to assist painters in the making of colors, canvas and brushes. Pareja
was apparently also a painter who imitated Velazquez’s style.
This painting is different not because of the subject by
how the subject is portrayed. Velazquez portrays his slave in a half-profile
with his head slightly turned towards us. He’s dressed in nice clothing and the
light falls directly on his face. The gesture he has is proud and secure. This
painting fits Velazquez’s style because of his ability and willingness to
give a character dignity no matter what their social standing was.
I just love this piece because of how Velazquez treated Pareja in the picture. He could have shown Pareja doing tasks for him or in lower standing but instead he showed him with an air of respect that another human being deserved. I love when Velazquez does this with his subjects and hope you guys enjoy this picture not just for the aesthetic value but for the history and meaning as well.
What do you think my peeps?
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