Ventana
Standing Mirror
Juan de Pareja (ca. 1608–1670), 1650. Velázquez. Purchase, Fletcher and Rogers Funds, and Bequest of Miss Adelaide Milton de Groot (1876-1967), by exchange, supplemented by gifts from friends of the Museum, 1971.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 617
Inspiration
In early 1650, Diego Velázquez painted a portrait of his enslaved apprentice, Juan de Pareja while traveling in Rome. Pareja is depicted as regal, dignified, and confident.
As stated by The Met and the artist’s biographer, “this landmark of western portraiture ‘received such universal acclaim that in the opinion of all the painters of different nations everything else seemed like painting but this alone like truth.’”
Months later, Pareja was liberated and continued his life as an independent painter in Madrid.
AHxMET
Regal, Dignified, Established
Interpretation
Ventana, a solid brass mirror, is a unique portrayal of truth. This statement piece prompts us to reflect upon the past and ourselves. Mahogany and brass elements exude quiet confidence like that of Juan de Pareja.
To realize this vision, Abner Henry worked with metal specialists who used techniques that had never been done before to polish the mirror’s brass face to its mirror-like sheen.
24″W x 18″D x 70″H, 250lbs.
$131,800.00
*Limited Edition – Only 70 Available
Join the Story
“This piece represents self-reflection, peering into your own heart to see if you like what looks back at you. In reality, there is nowhere to hide. God sees your heart perfectly; there is no silo to crawl into and disappear.”
— Ernest Hershberger, Founder of Abner Henry
