VELÁZQUEZ, Diego Rodriguez de Silva y
(b. 1599, Sevilla, d. 1660, Madrid)

Prince Baltasar Carlos as a Hunter

1635-36
Oil on canvas, 191 x 103 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid

The realistic portrait was executed in the first years of the mature period of the artist. The painting shows Crown Prince Baltasar Carlos in hunting costume, "when he was six years old", according to the inscription, which would make the date 1635, or more probably 1636. The picture of the prince seems to reflect a cool morning: the grass, wet with dew, is still shimmering in shades of blue-green in front of the dozing setter.