Francisco Pacheco del Río
(1564-1654)

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Francisco Pacheco del Río was a Spanish painter born in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain. Pacheco is mostly known for being the tutor and father-in-law of Diego Velazquez. Though his father’s name was Juan Perez and his mother, Leonor del Rió, the artist adopted the name “Pacheco” as a young man in honor of his uncle. Around 1580, Pacheco moved to the city of Seville, where he spent much of his adult life.

Pacheco spent his early years as a painter studying under the painter, Luis Fernánadez, who was well known in Seville. By 1585, Pacheco completed his apprenticeship and moved into a studio house on “la calle de los limones” or “the street of lemons” in Seville. At this point Pacheco earned the title of master painter.

In 1594, Pacheco married María Ruiz de Páramo. During this same time frame, Pacheco began to paint notable figures of the aristocracy and engaged in political -activities that arouse during a tumultuous time in Seville and the reign of Felipe II.

At the turn of the seventeenth century became known as the greatest painter in Seville. This rise to fame outshined the popularity of Juan de Roelas. Around 1610 Pacheco travelled to Madrid where he visited El Escorial y Toledo. Pacheco’s notoriety began to spread throughout Spain. Pacheco continuously, received lofty commissions.

Pacheco is not only considered the teacher of Velazquez, but family relation, after Velazquez married Pacheco’s daughter Juana.

Pacheco is characterized as a Mannerist painter, heavily influenced by Flamenco and Italian art. His nearly iconic paintings define an era of Spanish culture and religious influence. Pacheco not only painted framed pieces, but large-scale frescoes that adorned the Casa de Pilatos in Seville. Pacheco’s narrative paintings contain mythological, historical, and religious imagery.

Works by Pacheco are now in various collections throughout Spain including the Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid. Pacheco is one of the great Spanish master painters of the late sixteenth, early seventeenth century. Do you think you own a painting by Francisco Pacheco? Contact us. We are the experts on Francisco Pacheco.