La misión de Velázquez y sus agentes en Roma y Venecia: 1649-1653

Abstract

In the following study we analyze one of the missions carried out by Velazquez in Italy during his second journey: to contract the execution and transport of the modem sculptures and casts of the classical statues, made out of bronze and plaster, that he chose and acquired to garnish the new rooms of the Madrid Alcázar. To this purpose, we have found and studied new important documentation —in part unpublished, in part cited, but never considered in its ensemble^ that will permit us to confirm and concrete some hypothesis, and to point out new data about different aspects of Velazquez's mission. To this respect, we refer, for example, to which was Velazquez residence in Rome, which collections he visited, what were the specific arrangements implemented by the painter to shoulder the royal commission, including the determination of the roles played by Giuliano Finelli, the Count of Oñate, the Duke of Infantado, the Marquis of la Fuente, don Santiago Cardoso, don Juan de Córdoba and other agents at Velazquez's service for the royal assignment. Finally, we bring up new documentation on his third staying in Venice, setting, for the first time, the period when he was doubtless in the famous Republic trying to buy paintings for the King's Collection.