On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01172
- Author
- Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y (Spanish)
- Title
- The Surrender of Breda or The Lances
- Chronology
- 1635
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 307 cm x 367 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCIONREAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Ambrosio Spinola, the Genoese
general in charge of Spanish troops
in Flanders receives the keys to
the city of Breda from the Dutch
governor, Justin of Nassau, ending
a long siege. This occurred on 5
June 1625. At the time, it was
considered a key moment in the long
war waged by the Spanish to prevent
Dutch independence.
The work has a clear propagandistic
bent, emphasizing the clemency of
the Spanish monarchy. Unlike other
paintings of contemporary history,
the present one takes no joy in
victory, and the only evidence of
the battle is the smoking
background. Velasquez focuses our
attention of the foreground, where
preparations are being made not
only to end the war, but also to
initiate the peace that
follows.
The painting is an excellent
example of this artist's mastery of
all pictorial resources: skill at
crating atmosphere, light and
landscape in his works, mastery of
portraiture, and a profound
knowledge of aerial
perspective.
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