Diego Velázquez

Diego Velázquez (baptized 6 June 1599 – 6 August 1660) was a Spanish painter, the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV.

Velázquez began his career as an apprentice to the Spanish painter Francisco Pacheco. In 1623 Velázquez painted portrait of King Philip IV of Spain. The king was impressed with the painting. The king appointed Velázquez as a painter of the royal court.

Velázquez had a successful career as a painter. He traveled to Italy two times.  He painted royal portraits and religious scenes. Velázquez was also honored as a Knight of Santiago. 

Most of royal portraits are now in the Prado Museum, in Madrid.

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Category:1599 births
Category:1660 deaths
Category:Spanish painters