On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01200
- Author
- Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y (Spanish)
- Title
- The Buffoon called `Juan de Austria'
- Chronology
- Ca. 1632
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 210 cm x 123 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal collection
The buffoon called “Juan de
Austria,” is documented as being in
the court of Felipe IV (1605-1665)
between 1624 and 1654. His real
name is unknown, but he adopted
that of the illegitimate son of
Emperor Carlos V (1500-1558), Juan
de Austria (1545-1578), who
vanquished the Turks at the Battle
of Lepanto (1571).
Velasquez paints him wearing the
general's uniform he was given in
keeping with the nickname by which
he was known at the palace. The
naval battle depicted in the
background is an allusion to
Lepanto.
The great modernity of the
practically abstract scene in the
background shows the freedom and
experimentation Velasquez employed
in works not directly related to
court noblemen or members of the
Royal Family.
This work was probably paired with
The Buffoon `Redbeard,' Cristóbal
de Castañeda y Pernía (P1199),
which is also in the Prado Museum
collection.
The canvas is documented between
1634 and 1654 in the inventories of
Madrid's Alcázar Palace, between
1701 and 1716 at the Buen Retiro
Palace, in 1772 at the New Palace,
and in 1816 at the Royal Academy of
the Fine Arts of San Fernando. It
entered the Prado Museum in 1827.
Location on the map
