Final answer:
Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez is a masterful painting from 1656 that represents the royal household, with a focus on the Infanta Margarita and includes Velázquez's self-portrait. The painting is celebrated for its complex and illusionistic composition, blurring the lines between reality and art.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diego Velázquez's Las Meninas, created in 1656, represents an intricate court scene focused on the daughter of King Philip IV, the Infanta Margarita. The painting is renowned for its complex composition that blurs the lines between reality and illusion, challenging the viewer's perspective.
Velázquez includes a self-portrait on the painting's left side, positioning the viewer in the place of the king and queen, while the royal household's members are depicted around the room. The grand scale and detailed inclusion of figures showcase Velázquez's mastery of naturalistic style and lighting.
Las Meninas is notable not just for its representation of the subjects but also for its depth of meaning and commentary on the relationship between the artist, the subject portrayed, and the viewer.