Called the greatest Spanish painter by Pablo Picasso andSalvador Dali, Diego Rodr guez de Silva y Vel zquez wasborn in 1599 in Seville, and as early as 1620, he wasestablished as a painter, producing many genre scenes, notably Old Woman Frying Eggs, and religious subjects, such as The Adoration of the Magi and Christ in the Houseof Martha and Mary. This informative book outlines hisroyal connections and influences and describes his mostdramatic and emotive works. There is also a magnificentgallery of 300 glorious images. This beautifully illustratedbook is essential reading for anyone who would like tolearn more about this master of painting, who influencedso many later artists, and whom douard Manet calledthe 'painter of painters'. - A comprehensive reference book on the life and worksof Diego Vel zquez, the most important painter in theSpanish Habsburg court of King Philip IV - Offers a fascinating study of this individualistic artist'seducation, family life and influences, and all hisoutstanding works - Explores Vel zquez' progression from painting picturesof everyday life to portraits of the Spanish royal family, notably the artist's crowning achievement in his mostrecognized work, Las Meninas - Features a wonderful gallery of Vel quez' paintings, accompanied by an expert analysis of each work, and adescription of his style and technique