Great Art Explained: Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel. My other channel, Great BOOKS Explained can be found here - www.youtube.com/@greatbooksexplained371 - thanks so much for your amazing support - James

[@JJONNYREPP]

Great Art Explained: Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez. 26.7.24. It's concerned with the female's hatred of their menfolk... or the collective female's hatred of one man in particular.

[@laceisaverb]

Just FYI you're missing a painting a 13:09

[@JJONNYREPP]

@@laceisaverb ????

[@genebolyard3720]

I have always been fascinated with this piece of artwork after seeing it in person on our travels in Spain. Thank you for sharing your very well done video. Well done!❤❤❤❤

[@JJONNYREPP]

@@genebolyard3720 Oasis Headline Slane Castle, Co. Meath, Ireland 2009

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

Hundreds of years later and people are still debating how it all makes sense. What a genius.

[@gobnaitaine5103]

I so look forward to your video's. Its like having a personal art history lesson each time. You are a wonderful teacher.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you so much 😀

[@HRM.H]

Your videos are a piece of art themselves!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the comment! 🙏

[@svetlanadelight8969]

💯

[@susanagarcia4728]

When Dali was asked by a journalist what he would save in case of a fire in El Prado museum, he answered: "the air contained in Las Meninas". You really get the illusion of perceiving the dust particles floating in the air. If you turn the painting around you can see how much space Velazquez dedicates to capturing that "air". As a madrilian, I feel lucky to enjoy this painting often. Many thanks for the video, it is a masterclass indeed!

[@samraddhi-27]

I am glad i have someone who will explain me about paintings ☺☺

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏

[@samraddhi-27]

Well come😁😁

[@crystalclear6864]

Me too! Tks

[@Gusbusbus]

Same

[@joesullivan9086]

One of my favourite ways to quietly start a Saturday is to brew some coffee, pet a cat, then to be absorbed into a new video from GAE while I sip my coffee and energize for the day. It is a tradition which is dependent on the release of your new videos, or on my forgetting enough of an old one to require another viewing. It energizes me both intellectually and spiritually for the whole day, your attention to detail in unveiling all relevant aspects of a work from the mundane to the majestic. This series has helped me to deepen my appreciation of all art, of the world around me, and to see a secret beauty in anything my eyes can observe. I thank the whole team of GAE for enriching my life.

[@siobhanyoung4196]

Couldn't agree more!

[@matanyaholmes3964]

I thought I was the only one . A man of culture, I see. Jokes aside I totally understand. Its tea for me becaus I like to zone out to the videos and also feel interlectually enchanced and much more relaxed. As well as enriched with my knowledge. Then I fall asleep because I watch it in bed after a long day.

[@bgsyvertsen]

Agreeeee

[@adarshs6200]

The amount of effort and research that goes into every video makes this channel a great work of art in itself.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I appreciate that comment 🙏

[@esskay1513]

I love that in such a short time you manage to not only explain but completely contextualise art

[@atlas956]

i absolutely adore all the detail and sensitivity with which cultural aspects are treated and context is given. it‘s so respectful and kind.

[@GreatArtExplained]

What a lovely comment thanks 🙏

[@lulunot1]

A fantastic doc thanks for doing it!! I can’t wrap my head around how Velasquez could start with a blank canvas, paint without sketches, alla prima, and yet it results in something like ‘the crook of his arm being the exact vanishing point”. What a genius! I never get tired of learning more about Velasquez - awesome work thanks for everything you post!

[@benicabanas9793]

VeláZquez

[@CrusaReds333]

Art, History, Culture, Biography... I just love how you incorporate so many aspects in your explanations and analysis of the painting to give a comprehensive idea of how it came about and why, and for us to fully understand what we are seeing. Thank you!

[@odapty]

Love it❤

[@ajd6627]

First visited the Prado as an 18 year old in 1973. The Spanish family I was staying with gave me an overview of Las Meninas and I have always been fascinated by the painting and Velazquez. It was obviously a source of pride to them and a part of the Spanish consciousness. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to see it without the hordes of tourists that are everywhere now and in my memory, it was quite an intimate viewing. Thank you for your research. I'll now watch it again!

[@campbellpaul]

One of my favorite works, by one of my favorite Spanish artists... Thank you for this fine description!

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

The best 30 minutes I spent today. The narrative style, the details, the research that went into this. As always, I'm left with no words to describe how grateful I am to this channel. Truly brilliant.

[@EvaUnit_01]

I live in a place where art in general isn’t easily accessible through a museum. So I always get excited every time a new video is up❤

[@natsomething0]

One of my favorite channels. I appreciate your insight. Thank you. 👏

[@GreatArtExplained]

I appreciate that!

[@shivasgirl1609]

"I am shaken" every time I complete watching one your short films. I wish I could adequately express my gratitude in words. I'm left only with the ability to say, "Thank you very, very much for the fascinating insight & enlightenment you provide each time you upload. I am, indeed, most obliged.

[@DMHN84]

Same here, tears of joy

[@juliashearer7842]

Very nicely put.

[@justoqc3520]

Brilliant as always! Really appreciate all the research to explain this in such depth. Best art channel in KZbin!

[@dharmakaurkhalsa3923]

The King was shaken, but I am also deeply moved by your skill to explain, explore and reveal Velasquez to us, your audience. Not only are you a wonderful teacher on this Subject that is so underrated in todays world, but through your eyes, knowledge and sensitivity you are profoundly inspiring, awakening in me the interest in paintings and painters on a deeper level I never knew was possible. Be blessed! Thank you. ❤

[@jacobw599]

Finally, an introduction to Velazquez’s work done by someone of unquestionable skill and sensitivity for art. Bravo James!

[@eline_pires]

Thank you for this production. It truly is an artwork in its own right. Very well written and developed.

[@feetiefeetie]

i had the great pleasure of seeing Las Meninas at The Prado many years ago... utterly unforgettable painting, and this video just makes it so much better!

[@MattCrist]

These videos make my week. Nothing compares on the internet. Bravo!

[@simonkempe1212]

This video could've ended with a video of you two looking at that painting - just like Velazquez, you're raising your profession to new heights

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you sir 🙏

[@OhMimiThatgirl01]

What a genius! His paintings within a painting is astonishingly precise!

[@huntrrams]

One of the coolest paintings I’ve seen in person. It’s huge, and I really felt like I was in the room with the Spanish royals. Thank you for this analysis!

[@ClaudiaRocks]

I love your videos I have prints in my house of many of the paintings you’ve explained and showcased 🕊️🙏💕🇬🇧

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wonderful!

[@ali_yayyy]

same!

[@brandonmcleod9182]

Great job James! I could listen to you talk about art all day!

[@Steve-ku8wk]

This video is brilliant. It does full justice I believe to Velazquez and Las Meninas. Congratulations !

[@firatmaradona]

I love how much enigma there is in great paintings

[@judithlehman6533]

I always get the feeling that I've stumbled onto a hidden gem when I watch your stories. The inclusion of "painting light" was genius because until you see it done, it's so mysterious.

[@mardefora76]

The first time I saw this painting at the Museo del Prado I was astonished but I didn't know why. Now I can't wait to revisit it!!! Thank you for your great explanation😊.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wonderful! Thanks 🙏

[@bearhustler]

I went to Madrid and somehow forgot to go the the Prado... kicking myself ever since.

[@mardefora76]

@@bearhustler 🥰

[@sshblack]

I can't wait for you to tackle the depths and complexity of Hogarth's "A rake's progress" There's so much in those paintings that at first glance go unseen. This was brilliant, and I look forward to future episodes.

[@marafiasche1542]

Was going to sugest that so I second the request

[@MariaVosa]

I've always loved this painting for Maria Bárbola especially. Her pose is the most dignified of them all, looking us straight in the eyes (and the king and queen as well). It was wonderful to see his many other respectful paintings of people with dwarfism. I long for the day when I get to visit the Prado and see this painting in real life!

[@fernandocervantes7023]

So much gratitude for the work that goes into these videos and all of the wonderful insights and take away. Bravo!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you kindly!

[@TSMOWRU]

We are happy when you post a new video! You make the world happier!!!

[@GreatArtExplained]

That comment made me happy! Thanks 🙏

[@marayues]

This is one channel that I make sure I watch one video per day. Just after work, calming, and what I love!!! ❤❤❤ Amazing!!!

[@jennifergehring-treloar8366]

I get so excited about every episode that comes out, it's like they never seem to come out fast enough! 😂 The suspense can be a nightmare! So glad for your channel ❤

[@ALIREZA.B-td4wr]

Great thanks From Iran, You sir give me a feeling that somehow these Great mans are some of my dear friends that I can somehow have conversation with them

[@GreatArtExplained]

Love that comment - thanks 🙏

[@duszam]

It's such a joy watching your videos. Waiting time is always rewarded; and it is a fair deal.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I appreciate that!

[@MichaelSavidgeStoryteller]

Velázquez's life story is a lot more fascinating than I thought! Thank you for sharing it with us. This is truly the work of a top-tier craftsman; you need years of experience to create such a complex scene with so much depth and so many characters. Gosh, the way Velázquez composes his portraits and uses eye direction is inspiring!

[@12thDecember]

There is always so much more than meets the eye. Thank you for explaining this extraordinary, captivating painting.

[@GreatArtExplained]

My pleasure 😊

[@kbqvist]

What a masterful documentary! Thank you.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nacho-Cheese]

I am so glad you tackled this amazing painting and artist!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you liked it!

[@ovidiuc4]

Thanks for these great videos

[@GreatArtExplained]

So nice of you thanks 🙏

[@heatherrobertson6110]

And now I've got to go to Madrid! Wonderful as ever. Thank you.

[@GreatArtExplained]

You should!

[@stevepowers1997]

James, you did it again. Admittedly Velazquez was always on the periphery of my art education. I knew he was “important” and I liked many works but never took a deep dive. Your insight, research and editing skills had me engaged throughout and I will certainly never look at Velazquez the same as I did before and look more closely at his brushwork. Bravo.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏

[@SourabhaRao]

James, one of your best videos. Yet. This will continue to inspire for a long, long time. Thank you very much. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@victorwold5462]

Excellent work! Your videos are the best! I always get so excited when I see a new video in the making! Keep up the good work❤️

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh thanks for the comment!

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

I have stood before that painting only once in my life but I have always intended to return to it and it will now be with new insights.

[@talpark8796]

Velázquez has always been a fav tyvm for another excellent upload, eh 🤟 🫎🇨🇦😁

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephaniehendricks3537]

Another great video about an artist i didn't know much about it, yay!

[@kripposoft]

It's always a treat when I see a new video from you in my feed! Lovely video as always!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you very much!

[@cesca3448]

Absolutely fantastic. Thank you, James!

[@heidilovesrt]

So informative, always enjoyable.

[@alcyoneorithiya1230]

You give us an understanding and more appreciation of these masterpieces, but your presentation (editing, research, passion...) is a masterpiece in and of itself. Thank you. I always look forward to your uploads. 🖤

[@jenniferw392]

An incredible breakdown, as usual! Thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@doloresrodriguez623]

Thank you!!! I enjoy you videos very much: I am a Mexican - Spaniard, living in Egypt. Waiting for the next one!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wow that’s a real combination of influences!

[@YetAnotherJenn]

This was so beautifully explained. My thanks to you. ❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh thank you 🙏

[@jeff__w]

Of course, both things are probably true: King Philip IV and María de Austria could be both in the room and the subject of the enormous painting by Diego Velázquez-the only question then is what is the mirror reflecting, the painting or the actual people? (Maybe that’s what you meant.) I _do_ agree with you, actually-Velázquez isn’t painting _us,_ obviously. It just makes sense that the king and queen are there. (And it’s not like mirrors in paintings have to obey the laws of physics-Vermeer’s _The Music Lesson_ famously didn’t, perhaps for more overtly “psychological” reasons.) Another dazzling video, James! The explanation of “implicit space” and the use of graphics to illustrate that just nails it and is very satisfying for that reason. I can’t imagine that any of the “meta-” aspects of the painting were entirely lost on the king and queen and the court-they weren’t idiots. It had to have given them a _frisson_ of delight to get, even if a bit unconsciously, that the painting _was_ “a painting about painting” (arguably the first) and that they _were_ in the painting-and they could just enjoy it.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the great comment! 🙏

[@erm12341]

Great video , i like you how you not only explain the painting but also cultural , historical and the painters personal life context . It would be great to see more works of that era.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you so much 😀

[@bialinda5573]

I love this painting so much. It's so intriguing! Amazing video as always!!

[@zenixcannon2ndaccount952]

I love learning more about art after graduating uni. Feels good.

[@G98-x4l]

I love how you introduce the technique, brush strokes, color, vanishing point, etc. It is something I always missed while studying art history. I wish we have more information about how actually these paintings were done.

[@carlrasmussen1282]

Your shows are outstanding! This one was so wonderful!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh thanks 🙏

[@margaretinsydney3856]

I love all these videos so much, both art and books channels. I always learn so much, which helps me understand other works of art, too. (For instance, the way V paints the dwarfs with respect -- that's something to watch for. Also, his obvious love of animals.) Thank you for the time and energy you give to each of this offerings -- and for the years of preparation before that. 😊

[@HoosierInUtah]

Your videos are such a treat for me!!! I learn so much and am so entertained. Thank you for all of the many hours of work you put into creating and editing these wonderful gems ❤‍🔥

[@soukainamahboubmehboub3432]

I am watching this right now in front of the Las Meninas in El prado museum. Great explanation!

[@DinkyPixie]

I visited Museo Del Prado last year, it was the reason I travelled to Madrid...I had this incredible piece of work on my list (as well as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, and Goya's Dark/Black Paintings, to name a few) Prado has to be experienced, it was one of the most amazing Museums I have ever been to, so well curated and organised. The way they displayed Goya's Dark paintings gave me chills, I almost cried....something none of my friends understand, haha. Las Meninas lived up to the hype for me, it was awe inspiring to stand in front of this painting and take it all in, especially given the perspective, ambiguous nature and ultimately what Velazquez was trying to infer. I took a long time with this painting, and revisited it before I left (do this with paintings that instantly grab me, I revisit them at the end of the day after seeing everything else). I took a tour with a Prado Guide and they gave great insight. Seeing it up close was thrilling. Thank you for sharing your expertise and knowledge with us here on You Tube, truly grateful for all of the work you put in.

[@GreatArtExplained]

What a great comment! Thanks 🙏

[@fourstringbuck]

This channel is fantastic! Thanks for everything you do.

[@michaelc2656]

Your videos are always of the highest caliber. I don’t know your production techniques, but I’m drawn into your videos as one is drawn into the painting you just discussed. Thank you and keep up the wonderful work!

[@kkratzer11]

I would love to watch a whole series on Velazquez from this channel.

[@ferrossin]

Amazing! I've had the opportunity to the visit the Prado twice and see this painting in person, and it's very impressive.

[@nimeshchokshi1921]

Glad to see Velazquez get a video! I’d love to see a video on Raphael’s The School of Athens.

[@foreveriluminatetwilight]

Love the incorporation of the history of the royal spanish family and the artistry of Velasquez!

[@Suzannemarie1000]

Beautiful, Thoughtful, Joyful. Thank you, as always. Splendid work.

[@thomasmurphy4706]

Thank you James! I’ve been waiting for you to explain this for so long, after seeing it many times in the Prado i continued to have questions. Gracias!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Gracias 🙏 Thanks for the comment!

[@jddmrgn]

Excellent! I really like how you articulate the key points that our brains seem to think on an instinctual level when looking at such magnificent paintings, but which we rarely seem to seem to discuss in words. Thanks again and I look forward to your future videos. I would particularly love to see a video on Frans Hals if possible!

[@timebird78]

It's alway a pleasure to watch Great Art Explained. Best KZbin Channel ever, 10/10!

[@JoaquinGonzalez-zk5kp]

omg, a truly stuning video. Thank you James

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Giza107]

Your video on Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights was the first of your videos that I watched and I became an instant fan, and continue to be. You are my favourite art channel 🥰☺️

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wow, thank you! 🙏

[@opwave79]

I love this painting for all the possibilities it raises. I even did a series of self portrait sketches copying it, with myself and my sketchbook in the foreground and whatever scene was behind me at the time.

[@LawNerdAmber]

That's amazing. I can't even draw a stick person well, to have that talent must be so fun!

[@farhangbook1]

Brilliant. Thank you so much. Your videos continue to astound me with their insights. This is one of your best.

[@remylee250]

Your video on Florence was super helpful in planning my trip. Thanks

[@tagbon]

Another great video. Learned so much - not just about this one painting, but also can now think a bit more about other art I see. That's really cool.

[@GafferCWT]

One of your best. Thank you. 🙌🏻

[@splodge57]

A wonderful painting with a great story behind it. Thanks for shedding more light in an interesting video. 🎨

[@MariTWC]

Excelente vídeo, como sempre

[@kevinsacks3185]

Another outstanding lecture from Professor Payne. I would like to see a video on Pieter Aertsen's work. I'm not familiar with him at all and the paintings included here are stunning.

[@johncomito383]

That was brilliant, James! Tremendous research. Thank you for this!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@_quique72]

Wonderful! One learns from your videos not only about paintings. 😊

[@Lessulie1]

my headcanon is that Velazquez painted this as a personal gift to the king, and the king is supposed to look at this painting and feel like he is looking at those people in real life. It's as if the king held a camera and captured that moment in time, and it's something that he'll look back on with nostalgia over the years, similar to how we look at old photos.

[@DHU11]

Missed your vids. Love to see a new one. Also love your great books channel and look forward to new one

[@ceciliagrossman4983]

I am always thrilled when you put out new videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights that have taught me so much! ❤

[@jovanivanovic1180]

Now after the video i have more respect for a individual which was Velasquez, and tracking of influences of other artisst is actually a really interesting endevour. Great one James!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏

[@cronkitesatellite]

Another spectacular video. Thank you!

[@jgaya]

The answers only lead to more questions in this masterpiece. You make the art come alive with your narration as always!

[@victor0451]

Great work! It makes me want to travel to Madrid with the only purpose of seeing this painting ❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

You should!

[@valentinaraquel17]

BRAVO!!! incredible, so enjoyable and mesmerizing to watch