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Diego Velasquez and Jan Vermeer were two of the most significant artists of Western Europe’s Baroque period. When I first began this research, I envisioned talking only about the many differences in their works. I have since learned that they share many things in common. In this paper I will use two works of art, Velasquez’ Las Meninas (The Ladies in Waiting) and Vermeer’s Woman Holding a Balance, to illustrate the complex and …

…patronage of royalty, Velasquez had less freedom to engage in realism and experimental technique. This is exemplified in two portraits Velasquez made of King Philip IV, the first now viewable by x-ray. This earlier portrait had Philip with a natural appearance, but the later portrait flattered him with the air of royalty.22 In the end, I suppose that I prefer the realism, innovation, and artistic freedom which I associate with the works of Jan Vermeer.