What is the primary purpose of the painting The Surrender of Bredaby Diego Velazquez (1634-1635)?

Answer 1

Many of Vleazquez's paintings served the purpose of presenting a particular image of the Spanish royalty. Spain was in decline and it was important that it still seemed like the Royal family was in control. Take the Surrender of Bredafor example. This painting makes an argument for the morality of the Spanish leaders, or any of the portraits of member of the royal family, in which Velasquez depicts them as competent, academic, powerful, and wealthy.

Velasquez also makes arguments for the status of the artist in many cases. In Las Meninas,he depicts himself among the royal family in the royal chambers and actually stands taller than any of them.