Introduced by Humphrey Burton Paintings by Velazquez
This\is the last programme in the special Omnibus trilogy which explores masterpieces* by three great painters of the past, TITIAN, EL GRECO and, this week, VELAZQUEZ. Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez was born in Seville in 1599, and became known in his own lifetime as ' the painter of Kings and King of Painters'.
Prince Baltasar Carlos on Horseback ' by VELAZQUEZ
1599-1660
Prince Baltasar Carlos was the eldest son of Philip IV, the King in whose service Velazquez worked from 1623 until his death in 1660. This painting of the young prince who died while still a boy belongs with a series of portraits which give a clear and unsentimental picture of the Spanish
Hapsburgs whose empire had ringed the world.
' Las Meninas ', Velazquez's great composition of the Royal Family, his ' Fable of Arachne ' and ' The Surrender of Breda ' are the three paintings shown at greatest length in this Omnibus programme.
Paintings by Velazquez looks at his finest work from the unrivalled collection in the Prado Museum, Madrid, as well as paintings in the National Gallery, London, and in the National Gallery of Scotland. Taking part
Xavier de Salas, Director of the Prado Museum
Allan Braham , National Gallery
Nigel Glendinning , Professor of Spanish, London University Eric Young, art historian
Stills photography MICHAEL SANDERS Executive producer BARRIE GAVIN Producer CHRISTOPHER BURSTALL