What you are looking at
A man with dark curly hair and a lace collar turns to look at us with steady confidence against a plain background.
Why it is famous
Juan de Pareja was enslaved in Velázquez's workshop and became a painter himself; Velázquez signed his freedom papers in Rome in 1650, the year of this portrait. It was shown at the Pantheon in Rome that year. The Met bought it in 1970 for a record price.
How big is Juan de Pareja?
Juan de Pareja measures 81.3 × 69.9 cm (32.0 × 27.5 in), without its frame. It is roughly the same size as the Mona Lisa.
Compare it with other paintings
Where to see it
It is at the Met in New York.
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More by Diego Velázquez
Also at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Frequently asked questions
Who painted Juan de Pareja?
Diego Velázquez painted Juan de Pareja in 1650.
Where is Juan de Pareja?
Juan de Pareja is in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, United States. (Gallery 625.)
How big is Juan de Pareja?
81.3 × 69.9 cm (32.0 × 27.5 in). It is roughly the same size as the Mona Lisa.
What is Juan de Pareja made with?
Oil on canvas.
Sources: The Met, "Juan de Pareja" (1971.86); Wikidata Q4717953; Wikipedia, "Juan de Pareja". Checked October 17, 2026. How we check.