Las Meninas is considered pivotal in the Western art canon because its complex composition and illusionistic space challenged traditional portraiture. Painted by Diego Velázquez in 1656 at the height of his career, the work’s intricate perspective, depiction of the artist within the scene, and ambiguous gazes invite ongoing interpretation and debate. Its mastery of visual illusion and inquiry into the nature of representation make it a cornerstone of Western art history.
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