Reference no: EM133376517

Question: Why do you think Diego Velazquez's painting is titled Las Meninas (The Ladies-in-Waiting)? How does the placement or arrangement of the figures in the painting affect where you,, as the viewer,, imagine yourself in relationship to the subject? Does the image of the reflection of the king and queen, two figures outside the depicted space of the painting, change the relationship that you imagine for yourself iaboutthe subject? What are some ways in which Las Meninas succeeds in creating the illusion of three-dimensional space and figures acting within that space? Part of the fame of Las Meninas lies in Velazquez's own self-consciousness about the inherent illusion of his painting. What are some ways in which the artist makes viewers aware that they are looking at an illusion? The painting captures only a single moment, but there are hints at possible moments before and after this one (such as the ambiguous depiction of the man in the doorway, who is either coming or going). What do you think might happen next? How does Velazquez inject a hint of humor or playfulness into an otherwise very formal setting? There are many details in this large painting that the viewer might not immediately notice. Some of the details are not central to the narrative but instead are placed there by the artist to reward the viewer's repeated study of the painting. As you take another look at the work, what are some details that you might not have noticed before? Imagine yourself in a depicted space of the painting or in the implied place of the king and queen.

What sorts of sounds might you hear there? Is the court a hushed and formal place, or is it a more private space where some noises or conversations might be heard? Would you like to be a member of the Spanish court, perhaps as the court painter? Explain why or why not.