On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01182
- Author
- Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y (Spanish)
- Title
- Felipe IV
- Chronology
- 1623-1627
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 198 cm x 101,5 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
An official portrait of Felipe IV
with the classical elements of
court portraiture, this painting
shows him dressed in black with a
wide collar and follows the line of
certain portraits of Felipe II made
by Antonio Moro. The desk on which
he rests his right hand, along with
the paper it is holding, allude to
his work as a ruler and are a
direct reference to his daily
activity. A hand resting on his
sword suggests his responsibility
to militarily defend his
kingdoms.
This is one of Velasquez's first
portraits of Felipe IV and was made
soon after he arrived in Seville.
The monarch's youth contrasts with
successive portraits from his
mature years. The mastery of space,
with the figure placed in an
undefined room, is perfectly
achieved and foreshadows the
artist's finest portraits, although
here he corrected the position of
the feet and the way the cape
drapes in order to make the image
more slender.
Velasquez made several similar
portraits of the king. This one was
documented in the Buen Retiro
Palace in 1700 and has been at the
Prado Museum since 1828.
Location on the map
