Portrait of Sebastián de Morra

Diego Vel%C3%A1zquez %E2%80%93 El buf%C3%B3n el Primo (Museo del Prado, 1644)

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Portrait of Sebastián de Morra is a painting by the Spanish artist Diego Velázquez, created around 1645. The painting is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. It depicts Sebastián de Morra, a court dwarf and jester for Philip IV of Spain.

Description

The painting portrays Sebastián de Morra seated on the ground with his legs extended in front of him. He is dressed in elaborate court attire, which contrasts with his somber expression. The background is dark and plain, which emphasizes the figure of Morra. Velázquez's use of light and shadow highlights the textures of the fabrics and the details of Morra's face and hands.

Historical Context

Diego Velázquez was a prominent painter in the court of Philip IV of Spain. He is known for his realistic and complex portraits of the Spanish royal family and their court. During the 17th century, it was common for European courts to keep dwarfs and jesters as part of their household. These individuals often held unique positions, providing entertainment and companionship to the royalty.

Artistic Significance

The Portrait of Sebastián de Morra is notable for its dignified and respectful portrayal of its subject. Unlike many contemporary depictions of dwarfs and jesters, Velázquez's painting does not caricature or mock Morra. Instead, it presents him as a person of intelligence and presence. This approach is characteristic of Velázquez's humanistic style and his ability to convey the inner life of his subjects.

Related Works

Velázquez painted several other portraits of court dwarfs and jesters, including:

• Portrait of Pablo de Valladolid
• Portrait of Juan de Calabazas
• Portrait of Francisco Lezcano

These works, along with the Portrait of Sebastián de Morra, provide insight into the lives of these individuals and their roles within the Spanish court.

See Also

• Diego Velázquez
• Museo del Prado
• Philip IV of Spain
• Spanish Golden Age