From 4 Nov 2025 to 31 Mar 2026

Free

In the seasonal exhibition hall, this fall's display is dedicated to Maria Bárbola, a dwarf in the court of Philip IV, one of the characters in Diego Velázquez's painting Las Meninas. The oil on canvas on display (1539X1085) belongs to the former Angladon-Dubrujeaud collection. It is a 19th-century copy based on Velázquez (Seville 1599-Madrid 1660).

The word “menino,” of Portuguese origin, referred in Spain to a young page, usually from a noble family, who entered the service of the king, princes, and great lords to perform simple tasks in palatine ceremonies. The “meninas” were ladies-in-waiting to the princesses and the queen. The presence of dwarfs among the servants was very common during the reign of Philip IV. Richly dressed, they often became their masters' confidants, and sometimes their accomplices, which allowed them to obtain quite exceptional favors and enjoy great familiarity with the ladies and lords of the court.

Musée Angladon
5, rue Laboureur
84000 Avignon