King Felipe VI Reveals Secrets of Las Meninas

King Felipe VI Guides Tour of Velázquez's 'Las Meninas' at Prado Museum Madrid, Spain – In a unique event, King Felipe VI of Spain personally guided a tour of the Prado Museum, focusing on Diego Velázquez's iconic painting, 'Las Meninas.' The King's insightful commentary offered viewers a deeper understanding of the artwork's complexities and historical significance. The video, released by the independent media company notibomba, quickly gained popularity. The King's explanation highlighted the painting's global recognition and its depiction of the royal family and their court in a salon of the former Alcázar of the Austrias. He noted the complex composition, featuring smaller paintings within the larger work, mirrors, and numerous characters. 'It's a complex painting,' the King stated, 'with paintings within the painting, mirrors, and many characters.' He also shared a lesser-known fact: the red cross of the Order of Santiago on Velázquez's chest in the self-portrait was likely added later, after he was knighted. This detail adds an intriguing layer to the historical context of the painting. The tour concluded with the King emphasizing how the painting transcends its frame, opening up both a door and the entire scene itself, inviting viewers to explore the many stories within Velázquez's masterpiece.