In Velazquez’s Las Meninas, there is quite a bit of ambiguity as to what is happening in this scene. As you read the various interpretations and look at the painting yourself, what do you think the narrative is?

Writing Assignment Chapter 24

1. In Chapter 24, we see several examples of tenebrism in painting. What do you think the effect of this technique is as you view those paintings?

2. In Velazquez’s Las Meninas, there is quite a bit of ambiguity as to what is happening in this scene. As you read the various interpretations and look at the painting yourself, what do you think the narrative is?

What do you think the artist is painting? What are the two focal points that are established by lines of sight?