For Nicholson, the interaction between colors was vital. She learned from Van Gogh the dramatic effect of complementary contrasts, and from Gauguin that the perceived intensity of a color depends on the size of its area. This led her to use colors in complex relationships, juxtaposing warm and cool tones, and transparent and opaque layers.

London

• Color as the main subject:

• Emphasis on relationships

• Not just vibrant hues

• Transcends reality

2. Recreate it

3. create multiple views of it

1982

oil on canvas

90 1/2 x 90 1/2 in.

1982

oil on canvas

74 3/4 x 57 1/8 in.

1982

oil on canvas

90 1/2 x 90 1/2 in.

1984

oil on canvas

90 1/2 x 90 1/2 in.

1857-58

31.2 x 25.1 cm

Oil on canvas

Digital C-print

118.1 x 101.6 cm; (46 1/2 x 40 in.)

• Illusion and reality: The painting constantly plays with what is real and what is a representation. The mirror reflects the King and Queen, who are not directly visible in the room, and the viewer is left to question who is being painted and who is observing.

• The artist's role: Velázquez includes himself in the painting, creating a self-portrait that elevates the status of the artist and the art itself. The large canvas he is working on, the viewer's position, and his gaze all contribute to a statement about his creative power and the significance of his work.

• The viewer's perspective: The composition is designed to put the viewer in a specific position, as if they are the King or Queen being painted. This makes the viewer an active participant in the scene, blurring the lines between observer and observed.

• Light and shadow: The use of light and shadow adds to the painting's sense of mystery. Light is used to create focus, such as on the Infanta, while darkness and shadows create depth and intrigue, further playing with the themes of reality and illusion.

• Power and hierarchy: While the painting appears to be a snapshot of court life, it is also a commentary on power, status, and the royal family. The inclusion of the Infanta Margaret Theresa as the focal point, surrounded by her retinue, can be seen as a portrayal of dominion.