Western Art History - Essay Example

On the end view there is reflection on the mirror on the wall behind picture of the king and queen, the paradox is clear as it can be interpreted that the artist is trying to portray the royal couple, however in in-depth view it is seen that the kings daughter was the main focus. This painting by Diego Velazquez is one of the best painting works analyzed in the western paintings because of its complexity and confusing aspects that complicates its ease of understanding. Some of the enigmatic aspects of the painting that raise more questions about the painting include; the undetermined connection between the subjects in the picture and the viewers and the question on the picture being real or just mere illusions (Kleiner 317-326).

The relationship that exist between the first view of the picture and the subjects on the picture is clear and can be easily analyzed, the main subject in the painting the king’s eldest daughter Infanta Margaret Theresa is at the center of the portrait and on her side are her maids surrounding her giving out clearly the picture of her being the maid of honor (Kleiner 330-337). Behind the daughters picture on the reflective mirror is the picture of the king and the queen who confusingly appear to be left out of the picture but again seem main subjects of focus.

There is provision for vision beyond the front studio with the door that is on the back wall of the painting that confuses whether the character is headed to the studio front or headed away from the studio. I agree and support the argument that the painting is a classical master piece, Diego’s painting gives confusing interpretation that makes understanding of the idea communicated in the picture complex. The artist uses techniques in painting like the use of light and the picture on the reflective mirror to bring out the technique of picture within picture these inclusions of art work makes the picture one of the