The Spanish painter, Diego de Silva y Velázquez, considered to be the most outstanding artistic celebrity of his time, was born in Seville in 1599. His mother was from Seville and his father was of Portuguese descent. Starting his career while still very young, Velazquez was greatly influenced, not only pictorially but also culturally and in literary themes by Francisco Pacheco, a painter in the mannerist style. At the age of 18 he launched out on his own after passing the painters' guild examination in his home town.

During his first stage, from 1618 to 1623, Velazquez painted some religious works and genre scenes in which he developed the chiaroscuro technique and which transmit the significant influence of Caravaggio's naturalism. His capacity for turning religious scenes into something intimate and realist is an important trait that he passed on to other artists of his time.

In 1623 he was appointed painter to the court and thus began a career in the royal household where he received several titles, among them Gentleman Usher and Knight of the Order of St. James. During this time he painted numerous portraits of the royal family, achieving great realism and sobriety in his handling of light.

During his two trips to Italy, one in 1629 and the other in 1648, Velazquez underwent a transformation in his painting style, imbuing his work with new light and brighter colors and achieving aerial perspective.

It is in the final stage of his work that he accomplished the greatest style development and painted his masterpieces. He died in Madrid in August 1660 after a long illness.