The artwork titled “Portrait of the Infanta Margarita Aged Five” was created by the illustrious artist Diego Velazquez in the year 1656. This oil on canvas masterpiece measures 88 by 105 cm and belongs to the Baroque movement. It is a portrait genre piece and currently resides within the prestigious collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
In the artwork, the figure of the Infanta Margarita is depicted with a strikingly innocent and somber expression. At just five years of age, her youth is evident in her soft features and the gentle gaze that slightly avoids direct eye contact with the viewer. Velazquez’s expertise in rendering the texture and folds of fabric is showcased in the elaborate dress the young Infanta wears, which is richly adorned with intricate embroidery and delicate lace. The voluminous skirt of the gown spreads gracefully over the seat on which she rests, indicating her royal status.
The choice of light in the portrait is exemplary of Velazquez’s skill in illuminating his subjects, focusing on the fair complexion of the Infanta and the shimmering material of her dress, further enhanced against the contrasting dark background. The fluid brushstrokes convey a sense of movement within the stillness of the figure, while the deft application of color captures the opulence of the time and the exalted position of the subject. The red accents in the artwork—especially the bows and flowers adorning the Infanta’s attire—provide a visual point of interest that enlivens the composition.
Overall, the painting is a testament to Velazquez’s mastery of portraiture and his ability to convey the dignity and elegance of his royal subjects. It manages to capture the essence of the Baroque era’s dramatic style and attention to detail while simultaneously bringing forth an intimate portrayal of a young princess at a specific moment in her life.
