Seasonal exhibition - Maria Bárbola, after Diego Velásquez

The oil on canvas on display (1539cmX1085cm) belongs to the former Angladon - Dubrujeaud collection. It is a 19th-century copy after Velázquez (Seville 1599-Madrid 1660).
The word "menino", of Portuguese origin, was used in Spain to designate the young page, generally from a noble family, who entered the service of the king, princes and great lords, to perform simple tasks in palatine ceremonies. Meninas" were bridesmaids to princesses and the queen. The presence of dwarfs among the servants was very common in the time of Philip IV. Richly dressed, they often became their master's confidants, and sometimes their accomplices, enabling them to obtain quite exceptional favors and enjoy great familiarity with the ladies and lords of the court.