Prado Museum
Location: Madrid, Spain
Flower Basket
This still life was an artwork by Arellano. He painted several paintings that were very similar in composition with the emphasis on light. Also, the flowers were in the center with the background gradually becoming darker almost to total darkness. A little lizard is hidden on the right hand corner of the table.
Emperor Charles V in Muhlberg
Emperor Charles V in Muhlberg was painted by Titian in 1548. Titian uses heavy, dark colors emphasizing the harsh character of the Emperor. This painting displays the symbol of power of the Emperor and commemorates the battle of Muhlberg, which was against the Saxony. Titian took inspiration from the equestrian arrangement of this painting.
Still Life of Pears
Melendez dominates the formats as well as the techniques in this painting. The space is filled horizontally as well as vertically. This still life is full of texture, colors, forms, and lighting, making it hard to fill the canvas with anything more. A little fact is that Melendez always signs and dates his paintings on the edge of the table.
The Parasol
The Parasol was a master piece completed by Goya and was dated 1777. This painting was in the second group of 10 cartoons displayed in Prince and Princess Asturias dining room. A popular motif is reproduced in the painting, which is inspired by a picturesque aspect of the customs and life in Madrid at that time. In the painting the colors are warm. The painting shows the damsel responding to the flirtation of the man holding the parasol.
The Maids of Honor
The Maids of Honour was completed by Velazquez around 1656 and 1657. This painting is considered to be one of the worlds greatest works of art. The secret Velazquez used to make it the greatest work was to reveal something creative in an everyday scene. The painter of "the air" reflects his own workday: painting the queen and king, which is the theme of the painting he is working on. During the time that Velazquez is working on the painting, the princess is looking at her parents.
The Potter's Hand
