Diego Velázquez was a famous Spanish painter born in 1599. He is best known for his realistic and detailed portraits, especially of the Spanish royal family. One of his most celebrated works is Las Meninas, which captures a moment in the royal court and invites viewers to ponder the nature of art and reality. Velázquez's style was innovative for his time, using light and shadow to create depth and emotion. He influenced many artists, including Pablo Picasso and Francisco Goya. His work remains highly regarded, and he is considered one of the greatest painters in Western art history.