Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599-1660) was a Spanish painter, considered one of the greatest painters in Western art history. He was born in Seville and trained under Francisco Pacheco before moving to Madrid in 1623, where he became a court painter for King Philip IV. Velázquez is known for his innovative use of light and shadow, as well as his ability to capture the individuality and character of his subjects.
Also known as "Las Hilanderas" or "The Spinners," this painting is one of Velázquez's most famous works, and an example of his great mythological paintings. It depicts a scene from Ovid's Metamorphoses, where the mortal weaver Arachne challenges the goddess Minerva to a weaving contest.
Media: Oil on canvas
Velázquez painted "The Fable of Arachne" using oil paints on a large canvas, measuring 220 x 289 cm. The painting is currently housed in the
Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
Style: Baroque
Velázquez's style evolved over time, but "The Fable of Arachne" is generally considered a late work, executed in the Baroque style. This style is characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, as well as its emphasis on movement and emotion.
Date: c. 1657
While some scholars argue that "The Fable of Arachne" was painted earlier, most agree that it was executed in the mid-1650s, during Velázquez's final years as a painter.
Location: Museo del Prado (Madrid, Spain)
"The Fable of Arachne" is currently on display at the
Museo del Prado, one of the world's premier art museums. The museum is located in Madrid, Spain, and houses an extensive collection of Spanish art, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Description:
"The Fable of Arachne" is a complex and ambiguous painting, featuring multiple layers of meaning and symbolism. The central scene depicts the weaving contest between Arachne and Minerva, with Arachne's tapestry shown in greater detail than Minerva's. The tapestry features scenes from Greek mythology, including the story of Marsyas, who was flayed alive for challenging Apollo to a musical contest.
The painting also includes several other figures, including two women at the left who are sorting and spinning wool, as well as a figure at the right who is holding up a finished tapestry. The overall effect is one of movement and energy, with the various figures interacting in a dynamic and engaging way.
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