Las Meninas - Diego Velázquez

"Las Meninas," painted by Diego Velázquez in 1656, is a masterpiece of Spanish baroque art. This painting stands out for its photographic perspective, making all the characters in the work seem to be looking at the viewer as if they had just entered the room.

Velázquez manages to create at least three levels of definition, making the image become more diffuse as it recedes and gains depth. This technique, in which Diego is said to have "painted the air," provides a unique sense of realism and three-dimensionality. Additionally, the complex composition and masterful use of light and shadow have inspired numerous modern artists, including the impressionists and cubists . Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí are two notable examples of artists who found inspiration in the Spanish painter's work. This impressive canvas continues to be a fundamental reference in the study of art, standing out for its technical innovation and its ability to engage the viewer in a complex visual dialogue.