I, Juan de Pareja

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino is a young adult novel about the artist Diego Velazquez (of “Las Meninas” fame) told from the point of view of his assistant, Juan de Pareja.  Honestly, the book is more Juan’s story than it is Velazquez’ story because it provides an intimate look at slavery in early 17th century Spain.  Juan is Velazquez’ assistant because he owns him – Juan is his slave.

All this sounds rather deep and complex for a young adult novel, but it is rendered beautifully with compassion, empathy and profound insight.  Add to that the context of the year it was released – 1965 – and it is no surprise it won the Newberry Medal.  This book would definitely open doors for educators to discuss challenging themes with young people, like slavery, racism, pursuing art for a career, friendship and loyalty.

It is a quick read suitable for all ages and would be a great way to introduce young people to art, artists and art history.  It also contains a lot of adventure, intrigue and emotion and the reader definitely connects with and roots for the main character, Juan de Pareja.  It may even inspire a young reader to continue researching this historical figure who was himself an acclaimed painter.

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.