What was the purpose behind Velazquez's "Las Meninas"?

Answer 1

Please don't use Wikipedia for any source of information, it's a terrible site. It insults people's intelligence.
Here are some sites that you can go to and learn about Velazquez' Meninas and more.

http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/M/matts_old_masters/velasquez.html

http://www.erenkrantz.com/Words/TheBookOfSecrets.shtml

http://www.atypon-link.com/WDG/doi/abs/10.1515/semi.2003.044?cookieSet=1&journalCode=semi

In the last one there's a PDF article you can read.

I don't really suggest you look any information on wikipedia, because the information the can be typed in by anyone and changed by anyone who goes to that website. Some Colleges and Universities banned the used of this site a resource.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Go to Google and search for las Meninas. There is an article on Wikipedia. Mostly it was a family portrait, but also Velazquez managed to put himself into it by showing himself doing the painting.

Answer 3

Ostensibly the purpose of the painting is that it was simply another commission.

Many of the elements in the painting have raised questions as to the meaning of their inclusion, the dwarf, the dog, and the artist himself.

Below is a link to an interesting, if somewhat exhaustive take on this subject.

Also there is a very good analysis in one Sister Wendy's books on art history. Sadly I am not at home so I can't tell you which one...

Answer 4

I believe the purpose was to fulfill a commission of a family portrait.

Velasquez being a great painter, the genius was thrown in at no extra charge. :D