_Velazquez_ (Spanish: 1590-1660). _See 197._
A picture of the earliest, or Seville period of the painter. Though
professedly a religious subject, it is in reality one of the
_bodegones_, or tavern-pieces, which had come into favour at Seville
during the end of the sixteenth century--naturalistic studies of
the tavern and the kitchen. "They are certainly to be valued," says
Pacheco, "when painted as Velazquez paints them, for in this branch
he has attained such an eminence that he has left room for no rival.
They deserve high esteem; for with these elements and with portraiture
he discovered the true imitation of Nature." In the background, shown
through a window or square opening in the wall, is seen an inner
chamber with Christ addressing Martha, who stands, and Mary, who kneels
before Him.