An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of the Jester Calabazasc. 1631–32
Diego Velázquez
Calabazas, a jester in the court of King Philip IV of Spain, had physical and mental disabilities, a state that the artist emphasizes, rather than tries to hide. While the Spanish court prized and doted upon people with disabilities such as Calabazas, Velázquez transformed their depiction in portraiture. This startling work uses the format of the formal, full-length court portrait to present a type of person who was generally perceived as marginal at this point in history and profoundly humanizes him.
Calabazas holds a wind-driven pinwheel and a miniature portrait of a woman, together suggesting the inconstancy of love.
oil on canvas
Framed: 199.3 x 133.1 x 12.7 cm (78 7/16 x 52 3/8 x 5 in.); Unframed: 175 x 106 cm (68 7/8 x 41 3/4 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In a lavish court infused with the aura of power and authority, where the laughter of courtiers danced in the air like flickering candlelight, there existed a figure who stood apart. His name was Calabazas, a jester in the court of King Philip IV of Spain. But beneath the colorful motley of his attire and the jingle of his bells, lay a heart enriched by experiences often overlooked.
Calabazas was not just a jester; he carried with him unique challenges, both physical and mental, that set him apart from his fellow courtiers. Instead of obscuring his differences, the artist Diego Velázquez, with a keen eye and a compassionate heart, chose to illuminate them. In doing so, he told a story that was seldom shared, transforming the very perception of those typically regarded as the marginalized.
Velázquez’s portrayal of Calabazas broke away from the conventional confines of courtly art, redefining how society observed individuals like him. In a startling twist, he captured Calabazas in the formalism of a full-length court portrait—a format reserved for the elite, signifying respect and honor. Through this lens, the artist did not simply depict a fool; he held a mirror to the humanity of a jester, inviting the viewer to recognize the emotions, struggles, and joys that lay within.
This was a time when society often relegated those with disabilities to the outskirts, but Velázquez’s brushstrokes challenged that narrative. With every detail, he conveyed not just the physicality of Calabazas's form, but the depth of his spirit—a whisper of resilience that resonated far louder than the laughter he provoked.
In the grand tapestry of art history, Calabazas stands as a testament, a reminder that within every story, especially those less told, lies a profound truth waiting to resonate within the hearts of those willing to listen.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
The best place to view Cleveland Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.