The Surrender of Breda

The Surrender of Breda, Velazquez

 

Also know as The Lances, this work was finished no later than 1635 for the Hall of los Reinos in the Buen Retiro Palace. It depicts a historical event that occured on June 5th 1625 in the Dutch city of Breda, during the war in Flanders. In the centre of the scene, the governor of the city, Justino de Nassau, symbolises its surrender by handing over the keys to General Amrosio de Spinola, who is trying to stop the defeated kneeling and thus avoid his humilitation. On the left of the painting are the Dutch, and on the right the Spanish with their pikes, often confused with lances and thus giving the other name to the work. This painting is currently in the Prado Museum in Madrid.

 

At 10,000 pieces, you'll need more than a card table for this one.

 

214cm x 157cm ( 84.25" x 61.8")