Parallel Lives: Philip IV of Spain & Diego Velázquez,

One ruled one of the most powerful empires of the seventeenth century. The other shaped how that power would be seen - then and now.In this episode of Parallel Lives, we explore the intertwined lives of Philip IV of Spain and Diego Velázquez, king and court painter, patron and artist, subject and storyteller. Philip’s reign was marked by political strain, military decline, and a deep personal devotion to art. Velázquez, meanwhile, rose from modest beginnings to become not only the king’s favored painter but a trusted presence within the royal household itself.Together, they created one of the most fascinating collaborations in European history - one where art became a tool of authority, intimacy, and legacy. From court portraiture to Las Meninas, we examine how Velázquez crafted Philip’s image, how Philip shaped Velázquez’s career, and how their relationship reveals the fragile balance between power, perception, and truth.This is not just a story of a king and an artist—but of how history is framed, staged, and remembered.--Join Dr. Emma's Holbein Identification Masterclass on February 22nd! https://holbeinmasterclassONE.eventbrite.com--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Luisa Cahill Marrón