Pastor Tracy Reads | The Vanishing Velazquez: A 19th-Century Bookseller’s Obsession with a Lost Masterpiece by Laura Cummings

March 23, 2026 | Pastor Tracy Troxel

I must confess that my knowledge and appreciation of art is very limited. This book, more than any other, has pushed me forward in this anemic area of my life. The Vanishing Velazquez orients you to the art of Velazquez, a 17th century painter from Spain. Many regard Velazquez as the greatest painter of all time. His work, Las Meninas, is regarded as one of the greatest paintings of all time.

What makes this book so compelling is that as it educates you about the art of Velazquez, it does so while wrapped up in a mystery. Laura Cummings, the author, unravels the myriad mysteries of a possible but disputed Velazquez painting. As she attempts to disentangle the myriads of mysteries surrounding the ‘missing painting’ you learn much about art.

And, most importantly, you are given a glimpse into the motivations of Velazquez, as an artist. You begin to see that Velazquez has chosen to paint certain individuals with intention that illuminate his world view and attempts to inform our worldviews. This is a rollicking good mystery that is enjoyable and informative and ultimately deeply moving.

Pastor Tracy Troxel