Diego Velazquez was renowned for his artistic decency and this reflected in his artwork. He was known to strive for capturing the truth in art rather than using ugliness as its own sake. One of the most famed portraits that impeccably showcased Velazquez’s decency is the dignified portrait of Sebastian De Morra, a court jester and dwarf. Upon close inspection, one can make a diagnosis of achondroplasia which suggests severity of the condition.
Another painting done by Velazquez that highlighted his thoughtfulness and gentleness towards those with different physicalities is The Dwarf Francisco Lezcano, called El Nino De Vallecas painted around 1642-45. The painting provides great insight into Velazquez’s style and mindset, particularly as he paints El Nino not as an object of entertainment, but as though his life will go on after viewers engage with the artwork – thus, not just being an interesting piece to entertain people but something more meaningful. This deeply passionate attitude towards art exuded by Velazquez further underlines his artistic decency; it reveals his belief that art should be used as an expression of humans’ varied instances.
