The Meninas of Thebes
a curious journey through the Prado Museum
Velázquez knew well where Thebes was, in the south of Egypt, near Nubia. He had painted San Pablo of Thebes with San Antonio the Egyptian. He knew that Saint Paul made his own clothes with the leaves of the palm tree that he had in front of his cave and he painted half hidden, Velázquez deliberately avoided any pictorial reference to Egypt. Saint Anthony also wove in the times that he was not meditating, he made baskets and mats.
San Antonio, al que los demonios perseguían, también tejía y en los ratos que no estaba meditando, hacía cestas y esterillas. Fundó las primeras ordenes monacales del cristianismo y creó el cordón de oración, precursor del rosario.
Velázquez knew the importance of weaving and the powers it has, magical according to the Egyptian goddess Isis, who they say was the predecessor of the Virgin Mary. He painted Las Hilanderas to tell us the myth of Arachne. Myth that he repeats in Las Meninas with the Abduction of Europe, that appears next to the myth of Apollo conquers Pan, by Jacques Jordaens, in the shadows of the great room. Reference; Javier Portús, Head of Spanish Painting Conservation (until 1700). Prado Museum
This journey through the Prado Museum has no scientific, doctoral, or doctrinal basis, it is simply a sincere look from the heart and in that fresh way letting ourselves be surprised. Is it possible that Mary Magdelene is wearing the Isis Knot on her waist?
The Penitent Magdalene, Pedro de Mena, 1664 (Prado Museum)
Isis Knot, Metmuseum
Egypt circa 1500 BC
