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Don Sebastian de Morra
The portrait of Don Sebastian de Morra is a work by Diego Velázquez depicting a court dwarf and jester at the court of Philip IV of Spain. The figure sits on the ground, dressed in a rich cloak, with short legs stretched forward in an ungainly position. He looks directly at the viewer, making no hand gestures, which some interpret as a criticism of how dwarfs were treated by the court. Velázquez was known for his naturalistic and compassionate portrayal of disabled persons and dwarfs at the court.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Diego Velázquez
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Date of birth and death
Baptised on 6 June 1599 – Died 6 August 1660
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Natinality
Spanish
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Style
Baroque
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Significant works
The Surrender of Breda, Rokeby Venus, Portrait of Innocent X, Las Meninas, Las Hilanderas
Information about the work
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Year:
1645
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Execution technique:
oil on canvas
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Location:
Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain
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Theme:
portrait, royal court, dwarf
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The portrait shows the man not only as a court jester but as a fully human figure, an expression of the artist's empathy towards those who were socially marginalized.
The key to interpreting the work
When viewing the painting, attention should be paid to the naturalism and emotional depth with which Velázquez treats the model, as well as the socio-cultural context of the 17th century Spanish court.See other works by this artist
The Virgin appearing to St Ildephonsus and giving him a robe
- Artist: Diego Velázquez
- Year: 1620
