Why it matters
Velázquez shows the moment the Dutch commander hands over the key of Breda to the victorious Spanish general Spinola: a scene of courtesy between enemies rather than triumph. It is considered one of his best works, and Jan Morris called it 'one of the most Spanish of all pictures'.
Did you know?
- It is also known as Las lanzas, The Lances.
- Velázquez painted it in 1634–1635, inspired by travelling to Italy with Spinola.
- The faces show fatigue, reflecting the reality of war.
Based on the Wikipedia article The Surrender of Breda (CC BY-SA 4.0).
