Nick Nitta

Las Meninas (or The Maids of Honour), painted in 1656 by Diego Velázquez depicts a scene of what life in the Spanish monarchy might be like. There are many elements to consider when analyzing this piece of art and there is definitely more than meets the eye. There are the interactions between the characters we can study or we can look at how there are artistic techniques used in the painting to make the view contemplate a bigger picture. We can take notice of three possible focal points: the mirror in the background, the little girl in white, and the guy who looks to be exiting the room. Although it is debated whether or not the mirror is aimed at the canvas or straight out towards the audience, I believe it is the latter. King Philip IV and Queen Mariana are reflected in the mirror and I believe their portrait would be seen on the larger canvas seen in the painting. The little girl in white is the King's only living legitimate child at the time and this is a key reason why she would be one of the focal points. It is significant to notice she is dressed in all white and lit up by the light coming from the window. The guy in the back may be leaving because it appears not much is happening in the scene. I think Velázquez uses these competing focal points to tell a large story while also broadening the audiences' analytical challenge.