Module 2 Early Modern Europe

 

Judith Leyster, Self-Portrait,  c. 1633, oil on canvas

Diego Velázquez, Juan de Pareja, 1650, oil on canvas

 

At first glance of these portraits one can feel a well sense of confidence coming from the two. The portrait on the right has a laid-back posture expressing self-confidence. One gets the sense that she knows what she is doing and is carefree. On the left we get a different form of confidence.  He presents himself with an assertive pose. You get the impression that he holds power and education. On the right is a self-portrait done by Judith Leyster and on the left is a portrait done by Diego Velazquez, in which it’s speculated to portray his enslaved assistant in Rome. Velazquez’s painting on one hand emphasizes not only his posture but also the color of his skin. The portrait itself is known to be one of the earliest depictions of a black sitter. Juan De Pareja, the sitter, was registered as a painter before being Velazquez’s assistant. In which being a assistant as an enslaved man on its own was unusual as a position to have. Juan was eventually liberated due to the positive responses some would say, but it can’t be confirmed. Many praised the work for Juan’s confidence that was depicted. In Leyster’s painting she emphasizes her tools and work. It’s clear that she is drawing the attention to what is probably her in the act of a work in progress. Leyster however in her own right was an independent master at the time in 1633, although rare. Leyster was very much established, even having her own paid students. So, when this painting came out it received a lot of praise. She had earned the smug confidence she portrayed in her portrait. She did not need to defend herself in her portrayal of herself because in reality the people who know her work and her name will understand from first glance at her painting that she isn’t being cheeky, but confident in her abilities.  

Citations

Kilroy-Ewbank, Dr. Lauren, and Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank. “The Renaissance in Spain.” Smarthistory, n.d. https://smarthistory.org/the-renaissance-in-spain/.

“1650 – Diego Velázquez, Juan De Pareja.” Fashion History Timeline, August 12, 2020. https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/1650-velazquez-juan-de-pareja/.