Armstrong, Walter; Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y: The art of Velazquez (The Portfolio: monographs on artistic subjects, London: Seeley and Co., Limited, Great Russell Street, 1896)

THE ART OF FELAZQUEZ

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then, here not only suggests a mirror, but was probably painted with the
help of one. The curious involution to which this leads gives a touch


Las Meninas {The Maids of Honour). Museo del Prado.
From a Photograph by J. Laurent.

of humour to the conception, and adds to its interest. In the light of
all we are told of Spanish etiquette, the introduction of himself in such
a conspicuous place, while the king and queen are only shadowed in a