Portrait of the Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The infanta Maria Theresa of Spain orThe infanta Maria Theresa aged 14 |
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| Artist | Diego Velázquez |
| Year | 1652–1653 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 127 cm × 98.5 cm (50 in × 38.8 in) |
| Location | Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna |
The Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain is a famous portrait painted by Diego Velázquez in 1653. It shows Maria Theresa of Spain when she was about 13 or 14 years old. This painting is now kept in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
This artwork is seen as one of Velázquez's best later portraits. It shows Maria Theresa standing in a grand, royal way. She wears a bright dress that seems to glow against a dark background. The painting feels very serious and formal. She is wearing two watches, which adds to this formal look. The handkerchief in her left hand is also a special detail in the painting.
Velázquez and his helpers made three versions of this painting. These portraits were sent to different countries. They were meant for princes who might marry the Infanta. Maria Theresa later married Louis XIV, the King of France. The other two versions of this portrait are in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Louvre museum.
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About the Painting
Who was Maria Theresa?
Maria Theresa was a Spanish princess, known as an "Infanta." She was the daughter of King Philip IV of Spain. When she was young, her portraits were painted to show her to other royal families. This was a common practice to arrange marriages between royal families.
Velázquez's Artistic Style
Diego Velázquez was a very important Spanish painter. He was known for his realistic portraits. In this painting, he shows Maria Theresa with great detail. He uses light and shadow to make her stand out. His style makes the painting feel very real and alive.
Why Multiple Portraits?
It was normal for royal families to send portraits to other kingdoms. This helped potential future husbands see what the princess looked like. Velázquez painted several versions of Maria Theresa's portrait for this reason. Each painting was a way to introduce her to different European royal courts.
See also
- List of works by Diego Velázquez
- In Spanish: La infanta María Teresa de España para niños
