New Testament Word & Image: 1 John 3:1-2 & "Las Meninas", Diego Velázquez's Portrait of a Royal Child

1 John 3:1-2

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! 


Diego Velázquez, Detail showing Philip IV's daughter, the Infanta Margaret Theresa

Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 

Diego Velázquez, Detail showing Don José Nieto Velázquez, the Queen's
chamberlain, at the door in the background of the painting

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, 

Detail of the mirror hung on the back wall, showing the reflected images of the
royal parents Philip IV and Mariana of Austria

but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, 

Diego Velázquez, Detail of doña María de Sotomayor, showing Velázquez's
free brushwork on her dress

for we shall see Him as He is.



Diego Velázquez, Las Meninas