I, Juan de Pareja, Elizabeth Borton de Treviño

This historical fiction is set against the backdrop of seventeenth-century Spain and the life of the painter Diego Velázquez. The real story, however, is about Juan, who is enslaved to Diego but is also his friend. Juan relates his experiences as an assistant to the kind and generous Velázquez, and as an artist in his own right who must hide his talent since Spanish law forbids enslaved people to be artists. Historical events are woven through this timeless story of personal freedom and artistic expression.

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Study Guide (PDF)