On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01184
- Author
- Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y (Spanish)
- Title
- Felipe IV in Hunting Garb
- Chronology
- Ca. 1635
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 189 cm x 124 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCIONREAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
This painting was made for the
Torre de la Parada, a hunting lodge
in El Pardo renovated between 1635
and 1638. The King wears a dark
brown tabard under which a richer
cloak is visible. His clothing is
completed with a cap of the same
color, a collar of Flanders lace,
and amber colored suede gloves. The
monarch is accompanied by a
splendid Spanish mastiff, which
Velasquez gives considerable
importance
As an esthetic and compositional
resource, Velasquez placed a tree
behind the King in order to
emphasize his face. Various
pentimenti are visible, including
the position of his left hand and
leg, and the end of the arquebus's
barrel.
Hunting was considered a very
appropriate activity for the
education of monarchs and noblemen
as it strengthened the body and
helped to develop a series of
virtues necessary for the proper
exercise of power, including
patience, cleverness and
prudence.
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