On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01206
- Author
- Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y (Spanish)
- Title
- Aesop
- Chronology
- Ca. 1638
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 179 cm x 94 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal collection
A Greek writer of fables from the
sixth century, B.C., Aesop appears
disheveled, a reference to his
humble condition. His right hand
holds a book symbolizing his
literary activity. The pail of
water at his feet recalls the
ingenious answer that earned him
his freedom from slavery, while the
bundle with utensils refers to his
death. The citizens of Delphos,
angered by Aesop's criticism of
that city's excessive reputation
hid a goblet among his belongings
in order to accuse him of robbery
and punish him with death.
With considerable economy of means,
Velasquez manages to transmit a
true and believable image similar
to many of his portraits at that
time. It has much in common with
his portraits of buffoons,
especially his choice of a
physically vulgar character that is
nevertheless represented with
enormous dignity. Of particular
note is the superb rendering of the
head, whose wise and skeptical gaze
confirms the high intellectual
stature of this character. He is
also identified by the inscription
at the top.
Painted for the Torre de la Parada,
it was probably intended to hang
next to Menippus (P1207) and Mars
(P1208).
Location on the map
