. A comprehensive reference book on the life and works of Diego Velázquez, the most important painter in the Spanish Habsburg court of King Philip IV . Offers a fascinating study of this individualistic artist's education, family life and influences, and all his outstanding works . Explores Velázquez' progression from painting pictures of everyday life to portraits of the Spanish royal family, notably the artist's crowning achievement in his most recognized work, Las Meninas . Features a wonderful gallery of Veláquez' paintings, accompanied by an expert analysis of each work, and a description of his style and technique Called the greatest Spanish painter by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was born in 1599 in Seville, and as early as 1620, he was established as a painter, producing many genre scenes, notably Old Woman Frying Eggs, and religious subjects, such as The Adoration of the Magi and Christ in the House of Martha and Mary. This informative book outlines his royal connections and influences and describes his most dramatic and emotive works. There is also a magnificent gallery of 300 glorious images. This beautifully illustrated book is essential reading for anyone who would like to learn more about this master of painting, who influenced so many later artists, and whom Édouard Manet called the 'painter of painters'.