Portrait of the Count-Duke of Olivares (Hermitage) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portrait of Count Duke de Olivares |
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| Artist | Diego Velázquez |
| Year | 1635 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 67 cm × 54.5 cm (26 in × 21.5 in) |
| Location | Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg |
The Portrait of Count-Duke de Olivares is a famous painting by the Spanish artist Diego Velázquez. He finished this artwork in 1635. Today, you can see it at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
This painting shows Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares. He was a very important person in Spain during the time of King Philip IV. Olivares served as the King's chief minister, which means he was like the Prime Minister.
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Who Was the Count-Duke of Olivares?
Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares, was a powerful and influential figure in 17th-century Spain. He was the chief minister to King Philip IV for over 20 years. Olivares worked hard to strengthen Spain and its empire. He tried to make many changes to the country's government and economy.
About the Painting
In this portrait, Velázquez shows Olivares from the chest up. He is set against a plain background. His face looks tired and a bit swollen. This shows that he has aged since an earlier, more famous painting by Velázquez. That earlier work was an equestrian portrait of Duke de Olivares, where he was shown on horseback.
In this painting, Olivares wears a simple black outfit. He also has a white ruff around his neck. A ruff was a popular type of collar worn in Europe during that time. Velázquez was known for painting realistic portraits. He captured the true look and feeling of the people he painted.
The Artist: Diego Velázquez
Diego Velázquez was one of the most important painters in Spanish history. He was born in 1599 and became the main court painter for King Philip IV. Velázquez painted many portraits of the royal family and other important people. His paintings are known for their amazing detail and use of light. He is considered a master of the Baroque art style.
Where to See the Painting
This portrait is kept at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Hermitage is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. It has a huge collection of art and cultural items.
See also
In Spanish: Retrato del Conde-Duque de Olivares (1638) para niños
- List of works by Diego Velázquez
