The Three Musicians
ca 1618
Before Diego Velázquez became the fancy royal court painter for the King of Spain, he was painting gritty, realistic street scenes known as 'bodegones' in his hometown of Seville. Notice the cheeky boy on the left making direct eye contact with you while holding a drink, completely ignoring the intense singer in the middle who looks like he's hitting a high note. There’s even a little monkey in the shadows snacking on a treat, adding a touch of whimsy to this moody, candlelit gathering. It’s a perfect, lively snapshot of 17th-century bohemian life, complete with stale bread, wine, and loud music.
Location: Gemäldegalerie, Berlin
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