The Surrender Of Breda/ The Lances By Diego Velázquez
Analysis
This artwork depicts the Surrender of the Dutch city of Breda to the Spanish forces present. Once again we can see subtle political critiques by looking closely. As true with most art of the time the art praises the Spaniards in a obvious way, by showing an overwhelming Spanish force, how tall the Spanish lances are compared to the Dutch, and finally how meek and humble the Dutch military looks like handing over the key to the Spanish Military leader. This work was commissioned by the Count-Duke of Olivares, a prominent Spanish noble and had to praise the Spanish. However the Dutch look a lot cleaner and noble than most of the Spaniards perhaps suggesting that though the Dutch were defeated they were the more noble fighters. Another explanation for the dirty faces of the Spaniards is perhaps a critique of how long with the war with the Dutch was going. Especially considering this one of the major success that Spain had at the end of the Eighty Years War.