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One Work / One Hour: "Las Meninas" by Velázquez

Photo : Diego Vélasquez

Oct 6Free

One Work / One Hour: "Las Meninas" by Velázquez

A series on the History of modern and contemporary art by Antoine Bonnet

Médiathèque Jean-Pierre Melville (Paris 13th)

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About

Painted in 1656 by Velázquez, "Las Meninas" depicts the Spanish royal family. In this revolutionary painting, the Spanish painter blurs the classical representation of art by offering a mirror-painting where the status of the gaze is profoundly altered.

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Antoine Bonnet holds a DEA in contemporary art history. He collaborates with several art magazines such as Zerodeux, Artaïs, and Facette. He has published several books on disability: "La LSF pour les nuls" (First), "Pour l’inclusion radicale" (Melting); on philosophy: "La philo dans les séries" (De Boeck) or "Ce que l’écologie fait à la métaphysique", prefaced by Nicolas Bourriaud, at L’Harmattan in January 2025; on contemporary art: "Poétique de la décroissance" at Mix editions; and sociology: "Malcolm, sociologie d’un génie" (Entremises). His latest work is "Quand le rock est écolo", prefaced by Frah from Shaka Ponk, at Camion Blanc editions in May 2025.

Our take on this event

Forget standard museum tours and step inside the layered enigmas of Velázquez's most famous canvas. Art historian Antoine Bonnet deconstructs the painter's revolutionary mirror game, offering a fresh perspective on a masterpiece that still defies logic.

Discover the intricacies of Diego Velasquez’s 1656 masterpiece, Las Meninas, during an exclusive lecture led by art historian Antoine Bonnet. This session explores how the Spanish painter challenged traditional art conventions through his revolutionary use of mirrors and perspective. The event takes place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Médiathèque Jean-Pierre Melville in the 13th arrondissement, running from 19:00 to 20:30. Designed for adults aged 18 and over, attendance is free of charge. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all participants who wish to delve into this iconic work of art.

Join us at the Médiathèque Jean-Pierre Melville on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, for an in-depth study of Las Meninas. From 19:00 to 20:30, speaker Antoine Bonnet will guide you through Velasquez’s celebrated 1656 composition, examining how the artist subverted classical painting styles to create a transformative mirror-like experience. This event offers a unique opportunity to understand the profound shift in perspective that defines this royal portrait.

The lecture is tailored for an audience aged 18 and above. While admission is free for everyone, reserving your spot in advance is recommended. Located on rue Nationale, the facility is equipped to be accessible for wheelchair users. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a curious visitor, come explore the historical and technical significance of this masterpiece with an experienced expert in the field.

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