Waterseller of Seville Diego Rodriguez De Silva y Velazquez (1599-1660)
Diego Rodriguez De Silva y Velazquez – Waterseller of Seville
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Painter: Diego Rodriguez De Silva y Velazquez
Location: Private Collection
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The painting "Water Carrier" was painted in 1622 by the extraordinarily gifted and educated Spanish painter Velázquez. It also has another title, The Seller of Water of Seville. With this painting the artist completed his cycle of works bodegones (translated from Spanish - tavern). This cycle includes a number of paintings, but the "Water-carrier" became the brightest pearl of the gallery. Contemplating this canvas, we seem to see moments from the life of a simple man of the time, so brightly and realistically conveyed every stroke of faces, clothing and objects. In "The Water Seller of Seville" Velázquez appears before us not only as a venerable creator of his paintings, but also as a careful observer, as a man who is well versed in the feelings of people, in emotions, knows their history and traditions. The painting depicts an elderly man who is a communicant of water, the ironic name given to heretics, sectarians who did not consume meat or wine, and who put ordinary pure water at the center of everything. One can see the sense of importance with which the water bearer hands the transparent glass to the young teenager and the reverence with which the boy accepts the glass. Some kind of enchanting mystery wafts from this picture. The strange water carrier, engrossed in his own thoughts, the boy’s face reflecting his thoughts, the strange, dark figure of the large man in the background. The hands on the stem of the glass, as if to symbolize the meeting of the two times - the old hand passes water to youth.
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Description of Diego Velázquez’s painting "Water-carrier"
The painting "Water Carrier" was painted in 1622 by the extraordinarily gifted and educated Spanish painter Velázquez. It also has another title, The Seller of Water of Seville.
With this painting the artist completed his cycle of works bodegones (translated from Spanish - tavern). This cycle includes a number of paintings, but the "Water-carrier" became the brightest pearl of the gallery.
Contemplating this canvas, we seem to see moments from the life of a simple man of the time, so brightly and realistically conveyed every stroke of faces, clothing and objects.
In "The Water Seller of Seville" Velázquez appears before us not only as a venerable creator of his paintings, but also as a careful observer, as a man who is well versed in the feelings of people, in emotions, knows their history and traditions.
The painting depicts an elderly man who is a communicant of water, the ironic name given to heretics, sectarians who did not consume meat or wine, and who put ordinary pure water at the center of everything.
One can see the sense of importance with which the water bearer hands the transparent glass to the young teenager and the reverence with which the boy accepts the glass.
Some kind of enchanting mystery wafts from this picture.
The strange water carrier, engrossed in his own thoughts, the boy’s face reflecting his thoughts, the strange, dark figure of the large man in the background.
The hands on the stem of the glass, as if to symbolize the meeting of the two times - the old hand passes water to youth. Water has always been a symbol of life, so what is the elder handing over to the youth?
Some art critics argue that the painting is not so much an overt meaning as an allegory. In the center of the picture a bright spot stands out a glass of water. A fig tree can be seen at the bottom of the glass.
Perhaps figs are used to give the water a special flavor, or maybe the artist painted this detail in connection with the fact that figs are a symbol of eroticism. Then the boy’s seriousness and the water-carrier’s detachment are understandable. The water-carrier only offers the young man the forbidden fruit, and it is the boy’s choice to accept or refuse such a symbol. The young man, on the other hand, accepts the glass.
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The boy stands slightly forward, holding a glass filled with water. The light catches the glass, highlighting its transparency and emphasizing the simple sustenance being offered. His gaze is directed towards the vendor, suggesting attentiveness and trust. Behind them, partially obscured in shadow, stands another figure – likely an older man, possibly related to the boy or simply observing the interaction. This figure’s presence adds depth to the narrative, hinting at a broader social context without intruding on the central dynamic between the vendor and the child.
The arrangement of objects further enriches the scenes meaning. Several earthenware jugs are placed in the foreground, some stacked upon a table, others resting directly on the ground. These vessels, essential tools for the vendor’s trade, symbolize not only his livelihood but also the basic necessities of life – water and sustenance. Their rough texture contrasts with the finer details of the figures clothing, reinforcing the distinction between labor and leisure, or perhaps highlighting the inherent value in honest work.
The artist employed a tenebrist style, utilizing dramatic chiaroscuro to sculpt forms and direct attention. The deep shadows that envelop much of the background create an atmosphere of mystery and focus the viewer’s eye on the illuminated figures and objects. This technique also contributes to the paintings emotional weight, suggesting a sense of melancholy or quiet contemplation.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of mentorship, social class, and the dignity of everyday labor. The interaction between the vendor and the boy transcends a simple transaction; it suggests a passing down of knowledge or values. The presence of the older man in the background hints at familial bonds or community ties. Ultimately, the painting offers a glimpse into a specific moment in time, capturing not just an image but also a sense of human connection within a defined social and economic framework.