“The Waterseller of Seville”
“The Waterseller of Seville” is an oil on canvas painting by the Spanish Baroque artist, Diego Velázquez. This is one of three versions that Velázquez made between 1617 and 1623 when he was living in his hometown of Seville, between 18 and 24 years old. This is the first of the three versions. Many critics believe this to be his finest painting from his early period when he was first starting out.
This type of painting, featuring still life, cups filled with drinks, and a limited color palette, is known as a bodegón. Velázquez has been revered for the technique he used in the subjects’ faces. It marks his artistic growth, and you can see the beginnings of his more mature portraits for which he is known for.
Many art historians see Velázquez’s choice in subject matter as an influence from the Italian artist, Caravaggio. Caravaggio chose to paint the poorer class as his subject, and he did so with more respect than previous artists had done. This also marks the point when Velázquez was starting to break from the Renaissance and Mannerism styles that were more prevalent at the time.
This painting was originally part of the Royal Spanish Collection but was stolen during the Napoleonic Wars by Napoleon’s older brother, Joseph, at the Battle of Vitoria. After it was returned, the King of Spain gave it to the Duke of Wellington as a reward for his victory against the French in battle.
This version of “The Waterseller of Seville” is currently on display at the Apsley House in London, England.
For more on Diego Velázquez, please visit his short biography here.
You can find more artists to learn about here.
