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Velázquez painted many portraits of Philip IV, King of Spain, throughout his reign. This is the last painted image of the King by the man who served as his court artist from 1623. He looks middle-aged, and tired: his sagging flesh and puffy eyes suggest the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders during his long reign (1621–65). As in many of Velázquez’s portraits, Philip sports his distinctive upturned moustache.

The King’s pale face stands out against the sombre black of his clothing and the plain background. He wears the Order of the Golden Fleece, a chivalric order whose pendant took the form of a suspended sheepskin, on a gold chain. The regular waves of Philip’s hair frame his face and rest neatly on his collar. He stares out steadily with a look that commands respect but is also intensely human.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Philip IV of Spain

Date

about 1656

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 64.1 x W 53.7 cm

Accession number

NG745

Acquisition method

Bought, 1865

Work type

Painting

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

Diego Velázquez

1599–1660

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