Portrait of Maria Anna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portrait of María Anna |
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| Artist | Diego Velázquez |
| Year | 1630 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 58 cm × 44 cm (23 in × 17 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
The Portrait of Maria Anna is a famous painting from 1630. It shows Maria Anna of Spain, a princess from the Spanish royal family. The artist who painted it was Diego Velázquez, a very important Spanish painter. Today, you can see this painting in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
Why Was This Painting Made?
This portrait was painted in 1630 when Velázquez was in Naples. He was on his way back to Spain. Maria Anna was about to get married to Ferdinand III of Austria. This painting was made before her wedding.
It was sent to Spain for her brother, Philip IV of Spain. It helped him remember what she looked like. Royal families often exchanged portraits. This helped them show what family members looked like. It was also useful for planning marriages.
About the Painting Style
Velázquez used a special style for this portrait. He painted Maria Anna against a dark background. This makes her stand out very clearly. It helps you focus on her face and clothes.
You can see many small details in the painting. Her green dress is painted with great care. Her grey ruff, which is a fancy collar, also shows tiny details. Even her hair is painted very carefully. This shows Velázquez's amazing skill as an artist.
See also
In Spanish: María de Austria (Velázquez) para niños
- List of works by Diego Velázquez
