About this artwork

This portrait of King Philip IV is a copy of a painting by Velázquez, now in the National Gallery, London. It may have been made in the seventeenth century and was later cut down at the bottom and right. It could, therefore, have originally been closer to Velázquez's work in size, and possibly included the badge of the Order of the Golden Fleece suspended from the gold chain. The plain background serves as an effective foil for the king's distinctive head and face. There are at least twenty known versions of this popular portrait.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Unknown
  • title:
    King Philip IV of Spain (1605 - 1665)
  • date created:
    After 1660
  • After:
    Diego Velázquez (1599 - 1660) Spanish
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    51.10 x 46.00 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 1923
  • accession number:
    NG 1625
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
  • subject:
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