On-line gallery
- 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.
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