Knox (art history, Indiana U.) argues that Spanish artist Diego Vel獺zquez (1599-1660) was far more aware of contemporary European theoretical writings on art than has been previously
acknowledged and that he responded with his own distinctive and personal theory of painting, propounding that theory not in texts, but in painting themselves, with two of his most famous
paintings, The Spinners and Las Meninas, serving as highly self-conscious performances of his theories of painterly brushwork. The ideas, techniques, and innovations of many significant Baroque
painters throughout Europe are discussed as part of the book's thesis, making the volume relevant to art historians not only of Spain, but of Baroque art in general. The volume is well
illustrated with b&w and color plates. Annotation 穢2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
