[dedulya37]

Сообщение от DSF

It was necessary to prove that to Don Diego is not in any way not. The action plan was drawn up such.
First of all, the maestro has written to the commission under the Chapter of the Order of a lengthy letter of explanation. He vowed that his work is not for him the source, giving a livelihood. Then had to admit that painting, which stood for the essence of his life, "mere entertainment", and pictures painted by the dictates of the heart, dubbed the "painting, created exclusively for the pleasure of his majesty." The letter drew the attention of high Velazquez judges that only the noble origins opened the doors of the royal palace, and in society has reached a high position due to personal qualities. Maestro offered to call witnesses from Seville and even Portuguese, which would have proved its origin. Among them were called the names of friends, Francisco Zurbaran and Alonso Cano. The letter accompanied by a certificate from the Office of the yard where meant that Don Diego Velazquez received a salary for the positions occupied by the court, and his paintings did not sell.
In the Chapter of the Order to resume business. But the king intervened and ordered did not tape it. Thus Velasquez became a Knight of the Order of Santiago.

Very similar to the present. Nothing in the world is changing.

Сообщение от DSF

He was ordered to pay the artist to pay for 2 years in advance (400 ducats)

DSF, would be good to put these figures in the contemporary scale for better understanding.