A VISUAL GUIDE THROUGH PRADO MUSEUM
PHILIP IV
ON HORSEBACK
ROOM 012
Floor 1
Velázquez
You are looking at a guide about the gaze. In these paintings, the main idea is the human need to search for an identity. This is done so we can be seen and perceived by others. At the same time, these works show how a person’s public image and their real identity rarely match.
This specific painting, "Philip IV on Horseback", shows us the use of identity as propaganda throughout history. It illustrates how some people were unable to show themselves in society, while others elevated their image through it.
Did you know that...
Curiosity 1
This painting served as a reference for the sculptor Pietro Tacca. He used it to create the famous equestrian statue of King Philip IV, which you can see today in the Plaza de Oriente in Madrid.
Curiosity 2
In the bottom left corner of the painting, there is a piece of paper. In art history, these papers usually contain the artist's signature. This is very unusual for Velázquez, as it is the only one of his royal portraits that includes such a detail. However, the paper is empty. This was intentional: his style is so unique that he didn't need a signature to prove he was the creator.
Curiosity 3
This painting and its "twin", the portrait of Queen Isabel of Bourbon, underwent several changes. They were enlarged (made bigger) so their size would fit the walls where they were supposed to hang. At one point, they were even attached to doors, which made it difficult for people to walk through! When they arrived at the Prado Museum, these extra sections were kept as part of the
original work.
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Painting audio guide:
Audio made by Miguel Catalán highschool students Ana and Emma
Audio transcription:
“We are in room 12 and we are visualizing the art called Philip IV on Horseback. The portrait of Philip IV on Horseback was created between 1635 and 1636. It belongs to the Spanish Baroque style, which was an artistic style characterized by great detail, drama, emotion and contrast of light and shadow. This painting was created in Spain, specifically in the Court of Madrid, where Diego de Velázquez worked as the King's official painter and whose main purpose is to demonstrate the King's power and authority. The masterpiece symbolizes leadership, courage and greatness, and served as propaganda to reinforce the King’s image among the Court and other countries. In addition to being a testament to Velázquez's artistic style, this painting is an example of an equestrian portrait painted with oil on canvas, and the dimensions are 303 by 317. If we look at the picture, we can see King Philip IV riding a horse. He is seen as a warrior, although in reality, the King was not a great military leader. In this painting, we see King Philip mounted on a light chestnut horse. He is wearing an armor with gold embellishments and a red sash that is a symbol of military command, as well as a staff of office in his right hand. His face is calm and dignified. He is looking at the viewer with a formal expression. On his head, he is wearing a broad-brimmed hat. The horse rears up in a rearing position, with one of his front legs raised, a symbol of control and domination. The background landscape is expansive and luminous, with gentle hills and an open sky, which conveys a sense of balance and nobility. As you can see in the painting, soft natural colors predominate, such as brown, beige, white, grey, blue and a touch of green. These colors make the King and his horse look elegant and regal, just like in real life. The author of this painting is Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez, more known as Diego Velázquez because he adopted his mother's surname. He was born on June 6, 1599, in Seville, Spain. At the age of 24, he moved to Madrid to serve as court painter to Philip IV. He painted primarily for the Royal collection. Furthermore, he participated in decoration projects for the Buen Retiro and the Torre de la Parada. Moreover, in Italy, he painted portraits of Pope Innocent X and his slave, Juan de Pareja, consolidating his international fame. His style evolved from detailed naturalism to a loose and bold realism, anticipating trends in modern art. Finally, he died in Madrid the 6th of August of 1660, and he was buried with honors and wearing the uniform of the Order of Santiago. About his arts, Diego Velázquez painted between 110 and 120 paintings, the most famous of which are Las Meninas, The Surrender of Breda, Venus with a Mirror and The Jester Calabacillas. In conclusion, the painting of Philip IV on Horseback exalts the authority and grandeur of the King, combining mastery over the horse, symbolizing both authority and command, showing Velázquez's talent for uniting power and realism, and consolidating him as one of the greatest masters of Spanish Baroque art."
