The Jester Don John of Austria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Jester Named Don John of Austria |
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| Spanish: El bufón llamado don Juan de Austria | |
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| Artist | Diego Velázquez |
| Year | 1632–1633 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Movement | Baroque |
| Dimensions | 210 cm × 124.5 cm (83 in × 49.0 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
The Jester Named Don John of Austria is a famous painting by Diego Velázquez. It is kept in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. This painting shows a special person called a jester, also known as a bufón. Jesters were entertainers who worked for kings and queens. They would perform funny acts and plays for important people at the royal court.
The jester in this painting worked for King Philip IV of Spain. He was at the court from 1624 to 1654. We don't know his real name. People called him "Don John of Austria." This nickname came from a famous historical figure, John of Austria. He was the son of Emperor Charles V. John of Austria was well-known for winning the Battle of Lepanto.
In the painting, the jester wears a general's cloak and a black jacket (called a doublet). Around him, you can see old helmets, armor, and weapons. In the background, there's a small part of a battle scene from Lepanto. This makes the jester look like a brave general, even though he was an entertainer.
About the Painting's History
This painting was made for a special place. It was meant to be displayed in the Torre de la Parada. This was a hunting lodge (a small palace used for hunting trips). It was located outside Madrid, in the mountains called Sierra de Guadarrama. This lodge was a big project for King Philip IV around 1635-1640. The king loved hunting and wanted a comfortable place to rest.
Over the years, the painting moved to several different places. It was at the Palacio del Buen Retiro from 1701 to 1716. Then it moved to the Royal Palace of Madrid from 1772 to 1816. After that, it was at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando from 1816 to 1827. Finally, in 1827, it found its permanent home at the Prado museum.
See also
- List of works by Diego Velázquez
In Spanish: El bufón llamado don Juan de Austria para niños
