........................................................................ ........................................................................................ ...................................... ......................................... NOME CLASSE DATA COGNOME Vel zquez and Madrid The Spanish Golden Age was a flourishing period for literature and art in Madrid and the rest of Spain. During the reign of Philip II Madrid was established as the capital city and it attracted so many artists that it became the main artistic centre in Spain. The Prado Museum, in Madrid, is one of the most visited sites in the world and here it is possible to admire many of Vel zquez s masterpieces. WARM-UP ACTIVITY 1.a In your workbook draw a chart and indicate which words can be attributed to each of the self-portraits. Some words can be attributed to both paintings. white hat palette and brushes dressed for court two enigmatic circles painting penetrating stare 1. Diego Vel zquez, Self-portrait, a. 1650, Valencia, Museo de Bellas Artes. contrast between light and shadows dark background painter Baroque period realistic white hair old man self-portrait at work dressed for work sense of monumentality 2. Rembrandt van Rijn, Self-portrait with Palette and Brushes, also Self-portrait with Two Circles, a. 1665, London, Kenwood House. ACTIVITY 1.b Pair work. Which of the two paintings do you prefer? Why? Try to give an explanation using the following words. expression setting personality in the foreground in the background