Diego Velázquez Living Art Books

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Diego Velázquez Picture Study Aid and Art Prints

This 28-page Diego Velázquez Picture Study Aid (available as a PDF or printed booklet shipped to you) includes a brief summary of the life of the Spanish Baroque painter Diego Velázquez (1599-1660), a synopsis of seven of his works, printable or professionally-printed versions of the pieces covered, and a brief discussion about Charlotte Mason’s ideas and methods for implementing picture study at different ages.

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I, Juan de Pareja

By Elizabeth Borton de Treviño

“When the great Velázquez was painting his masterpieces at the Spanish court in the seventeenth century, his colors were expertly mixed and his canvases carefully prepared by his slave, Juan de Pareja. In a vibrant novel which depicts both the beauty and the cruelty of the time and place, Elizabeth Borton de Treviño tells the story of Juan, who was born a slave and died an accomplished and respected artist.

Upon the death of his indulgent mistress in Seville, Juan de Pareja was uprooted from the only home he had known and placed in the charge of a vicious gypsy muleteer to be sent north to his mistress’s nephew and heir, Diego Velázquez, who recognized at once the intelligence and gentle breeding which were to make Juan his indispensable assistant and companion―and his lifelong friend.

Through Juan’s eyes the reader sees Velázquez’s delightful family, his working habits and the character of the man, his relations with the shy yet devoted King Philip IV and with his fellow painters, Rubens and Murillo, the climate and customs of Spanish court life. When Velázquez discovers that he and Juan share a love for the art which is his very life, the painter proves his friendship in the most incredible fashion, for in those days it was forbidden by law for slaves to learn or practice the arts. Through the hardships of voyages to Italy, through the illnesses of Velázquez, Juan de Pareja loyally serves until the death of the painter in 1660.” Ages 12-18.

Velazquez

By Elizabeth Ripley

A biography “with drawings and paintings by Diego Velazquez.” This was originally published in 1965 and was part of a series of art biographies written by Elizabeth Ripley. It may be difficult to get, but I was able to find a copy through interlibrary loan, and it is also available on Amazon and eBay. Ages 12-16.

Diego Rodriguez De Silva Y Velasquez (Art for Children)

By ERNEST RABOFF

I really enjoy this series of art books from Ernest Roboff. They are beautifully laid out and illustrated and give unique glimpses at the artsts they cover. They are no longer in print, but you can sometimes find them used on eBay or Amazon. Ages 9-12.