This is the first major UK exhibition of the work
of the 17th century Spanish artist, Diego
Rodriguez de Silva y Velàzquez.
According to Edouard Manet, Diego Velàzquez
was the "Painter of painters," inspiring generations
of artists. Recognition came only later,
toward the end of the 18th century.
Known for his numerous portraits of Spanish
royalty and other notable European figures,
Velazquez was the court artist to King Philip IV of
Spain. Although he spent most of his career in
the royal court in Madrid, the artist also traveled
to Italy on two occasions: adding religious and
mythological subjects to his repertoire.
The National Gallery possesses a huge collection
of the artist's work. Its collection, second only to
Madrid's Museo del Prado, combined with pieces
from collections from around Britain creates one
of the most impressive retrospectives ever.
Key pieces include famous equestrian portraits
and The Toilet of Venus; Velàzquez' only
surviving nude.

Velàzquez
The National Gallery
October 18 2006 – January 21, 2007.
Trafalgar Square
London, WC2N 5DN
T: +44 (0)20 7747 2885