Kitchen Scene
Diego Velázquez·1618–20
Historical Context
This early kitchen scene by Diego Velazquez, painted when the artist was just eighteen or nineteen years old in Seville, belongs to the genre known as bodegon — scenes of food preparation or tavern life that Velazquez pioneered in Spanish painting. These works from 1618-20 reveal the young artist's intense study of everyday life and his ambition to elevate humble subjects to the level of high art. The bodegones were crucial in establishing Velazquez's reputation before his move to the Madrid court.
Technical Analysis
The young Velazquez demonstrates remarkable command of tenebrism, with strong directional light illuminating kitchen implements and food against a dark background. The thick impasto on highlights and careful rendering of metallic and ceramic surfaces show Caravaggesque influence filtered through Sevillian naturalism.
Provenance
Private collection, Zurich [according to Mayer 1936]. Dr. L. von Buerkel, Munich [according to Mayer 1936]. Bottenwieser, Berlin [according to Mayer 1936]. J. Goudstikker, Amsterdam, by 1927, until 1935 [see Mayer 1927; Mayer 1936 mentions Mrs. Sterner, New York as owner between Goudstikker and the Art Institute, however, the painting was shipped directly from Goudstikker in Amsterdam to Chicago in November, 1935]; sold by Goudstikker to The Art Institute, 1935.
