Telefonica
Reference number
P01198
Author
Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y (Spanish)
Title
The Buffoon, Pablo de Valladolid
Chronology
Ca. 1635
Technique
Support
Measures
209 cm x 123 cm
School
Theme
Shown
Yes
Entrance
COLECCIONREAL
Procedence
Royal collection

Pablo de Valladolid (1587-1648) became King Felipe IV's (1605-1665) court buffoon in 1632. Dressed in black, he is depicted in a declamatory pose that alludes to his job at the Palace.

This is one of the maximum examples of Velasquez's skill at reflecting a model's character and transmitting the sensation of volume and perspective with a very reduced palette. The space and depth are suggested only by the character's shadow.

This painting was listed in Madrid's Buen Retiro Palace in 1701 and 116, and at the Royal Palace of Madrid in 1772 and 1794. It was deposited at the Royal Academy of the Fine Arts of San Fernando in 1816 and entered the Prado Museum collection in 1827.

Ministerio de Cultura. Goberno de España; abre en ventana nueva
Copyright © 2010 Museo Nacional del Prado.
Calle Ruiz de Alarcón 23
Madrid 28014
Tel. +34 91 330 2800.
Todos los derechos reservados