Juan de Pareja was a real-life slave of Diego Velazquez, the famous Spanish painter of the 17th century. At that time, it was illegal for slaves to paint. Secretly, however, Juan watches Velazquez and experiments with his techniques, painting. Juan is able, in time, to become free and to marry and to set his wife free as well.Slavery, freedom, truth in art---these are the great themes of this book.“I thought Art should be Beauty,” he (an apprentice to Velazquez) muttered.“No, Cristobal,” (replied Velazquez) “Art should be Truth; and Truth, unadorned, unsentimentalized, is Beauty….I would rather paint exactly what I see, even if it is ugly, perfectly, than indifferently paint something superficially lovely.” ( )

"I, Juan de Pareja" tells the story of a relationship between the 17th-century Spanish painter Diego Velazquez and his black slave, Juan de Pareja. Juan the story about his life as apprentice with nuance, intelligence and colorful detail. This historical fiction book is rich with 17th century moods, travel and art descriptions. Beyond the strength of Juan's character, the supporting characters (nobles, Diego Velazquez, family, the king and Ruebens) really make this book come to life. ( )

An interesting historical read, detailing a period of history and a geography unknown to me. The story covers many years and is focused on events rather than feelings, lessening its emotional impact (no pain and suffering, no excitement, no real action).

However, I really admired the author's style of historical fiction, which stands in contrast to more modern styles that pour on the period detail, thick and inescapable. This book rarely mentions the dress or the way the homes are decorated, and the speech and actions are so simple that they could happen in any time period. For helping readers connect with history, perhaps there isn't a better style. ( )

It was interesting to read about a painter, Velazques who reflected on his noble relationship between two men of integrity. When he started o paint his masterpieces, he realized that he was seeing his work through the eyes of a companion and a lifelong friend. The accomplished and respected artist died but left behind an army of slavery, and the author tells this story as she was living in the moment....grasped by the beauty and the cruelty of the time and place. ( )

This is enjoyable biography of a noble and compassionate man, a slave who overcame the obstacles in his life to become a great painter. Unfortunately, it's not true. Well, I should say it's based on reality, but like the author herself says, "very little, for certain is known about [Juan de Pareja]." What is known is that Sr. Pareja was a slave, and was inherited by the great Spanish artist Diego Velázquez. We also know that Sr. Pareja became a painter, despite the fact that a slave was forbidden to do so under Spanish law. Ms. Trevino creatively fills in the gaps giving us a tale of what it might be like to be the slave of a great artist. While it isn't true history, it's good reading. You might as well check it out since she's gone to all the trouble to write it.
--J. ( )