The great Spanish artist Diego Velázquez was a painter of extraordinary ability. He achieved widespread renown, however, during the nineteenth century.

Daniel Sobrino Ralston, Acting Associate Curator of Paintings 1600-1800 at the National Gallery, explores how Velázquez striking and newly stylish works were interpreted by connoisseurs, emulated by copyists and – occasionally – knocked off by charlatans.

Arts Festival Ambassador and Great-Nephew of John Singer Sargent, Richard Ormond, explains the influence that Velázquez exerted on the young Sargent.

A major exhibition, Sargent and Spain, was on view at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC from October 2022 to January 2023, and will travel to San Francisco’s Legion of Honor from 11 February – 14 May 2023.

This event will be taking place in the Lifford Hall in Broadway

Tickets £15

Tickets go on sale through the website in March, and 1 week earlier for Benefactors of the festival who qualify for Priority Booking.

You can become a Benefactor for as little as £50 and support our Outreach Projects in doing so, applications are now open.

Richard Ormond: