Biographies

Alonso Sanchez Coello (1531 – 1588) He was born in Beifayo, and spent his early years in Portugal, after which, he was sent by the Portuguese king John III to study under Anthonis Mor (Anthony More) in Flanders. Returning to Portugal in 1550, he served as a court painter to John. In 1555 he moved to the Spanish court of Philip II, having been recommended by the widow of John III, Juana, who was the sister of the Spanish king. He spent the remainder of his life at the court, becoming a personal favorite of the king. He is considered the major predecessor of in the field of Spanish portrait painting. Velazquez