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Portrait of the Jester Calabazas, c. 1631-1632 (oil on canvas)
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Portrait of the Jester Calabazas, c. 1631-1632 (oil on canvas)
499606 Portrait of the Jester Calabazas, c.1631-1632 (oil on canvas)
by Velazquez, Diego Rodriguez de Silva y (1599-1660); 199.3x133.1 (framed) 175x106 (unframed) cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Calabazas, a jester in the court of King Philip IV of Spain, had physical and mental disabilities, a state that the artist emphasizes, rather than tries to hide. While the Spanish court prized and doted upon deformed people such as Calabazas, VelAazquez transformed their depiction in portraiture. This startling work uses the format of the formal, full-length court portrait to present a type of person generally perceived as marginal, and while the painting baldly holds the jester up as an oddity of nature, the work profoundly humanizes him at the same time.); Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund; Spanish, out of copyright
Media ID 23238544
© Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund / Bridgeman Images
Court Jester Courtier Traditional Clothing
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The captivating portrait of the Jester Calabazas, painted by Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez in 1631-1632, is a testament to the artist's ability to humanize those who were often marginalized in society. Calabazas, a court jester in King Philip IV of Spain's court, was known for his physical and mental disabilities. Rather than hiding these traits, Velazquez boldly emphasizes them in this striking oil on canvas masterpiece. In this formal full-length court portrait, Calabazas stands proudly in traditional clothing that reflects his role as a courtier. Dressed entirely in black, he exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. The painting captures not only his physical appearance but also his personality and spirit. While the Spanish court valued deformed individuals like Calabazas for their entertainment value, Velazquez goes beyond mere spectacle. He presents us with a profound humanization of the jester through meticulous brushwork and attention to detail. This particular print of the artwork showcases its grandeur at 199.3x133.1 centimeters when framed or 175x106 centimeters unframed. It resides within the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA. Velazquez's Portrait of the Jester Calabazas challenges societal norms by presenting a person typically seen as an oddity as someone worthy of admiration and respect. Through this thought-provoking piece, we are reminded that true beauty lies not only in perfection but also within our unique differences.
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