The Jester Don Diego de Acedo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Jester Don Diego de Acedo |
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| Spanish: El bufón don Diego de Acedo, «el Primo» | |
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| Artist | Diego Velázquez |
| Year | c. 1645 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 106 cm × 83 cm (42 in × 33 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
The painting The Jester Don Diego de Acedo is a famous artwork by the Spanish artist Diego Velázquez. It shows a court jester named Don Diego de Acedo, who was also known as "el Primo" (the Cousin). Velázquez painted many portraits of jesters and dwarfs who worked for Philip IV of Spain. This painting, made around 1645, is now kept at the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain. It is about 106 centimeters tall and 83 centimeters wide.
About the Painting
Velázquez created a series of portraits of the dwarfs and jesters who lived at the court of King Philip IV. He painted them in a very realistic and respectful way. These special portraits were meant to be displayed in the king's hunting lodge, called the Torre de la Parada.
Who Was Don Diego de Acedo?
Don Diego de Acedo was a person who entertained the court. He was a dwarf, and his unique appearance was part of his role as a jester. Velázquez painted Don Diego de Acedo's full body, showing him seated on the ground. This is similar to another famous portrait by Velázquez, Portrait of Sebastián de Morra.
What Does the Painting Show?
In the painting, Don Diego de Acedo is looking directly at you. He is wearing black clothes and is reading a book. Reading a book was a common way to show a gentleman in paintings back then. The large size of the book in his lap makes him appear even smaller. His eyes, high forehead, and overall look suggest that he was a very intelligent person.
At his feet, you can see a pile of books, along with an inkwell and a feather pen. The bottom part of the painting might not be completely finished, as you can see a blurry landscape in the background.
See also
In Spanish: El bufón don Diego de Acedo, el Primo para niños
- List of works by Diego Velázquez
