Velazquez's Las Meninas

This new series examines several highly regarded masterpieces in an attempt to unravel the mysteries that surround them. Through an innovative concept and a fresh approach, Art Mysteries, edited by Carminati and Stefano Zuffi, presents an up to date and spectacular reading of famous paintings, investigating key clues that suggest previously unknown background information. Velazquez's 'Las Meninas', now at the Prado in Madrid, is one of the most famous paintings ever. It was executed in 1656 in Madrid and depicts the Infanta Margaret Theresa of Spain surrounded by ladies-in-waiting (Las Meninas) and in the company of the painter, who portrays himself at work. But is this really the subject of the painting? A journey through the historical events of the painting and a meticulous analysis of all the figures present on the scene will allow the reader to in part resolve the many puzzles that still shroud this supreme masterpiece of the European Baroque.