Groucho Marx and the progression from vaudeville to movies, to radio and to television in the history of popular culture. Essay Example

Groucho Marx and the progression from vaudeville to movies, to radio and to television in the history of popular culture. Essay The youngest of the Marx Brothers trio, Julius â€Å"Groucho† Marx, was also the most popular and versatile of the siblings. Groucho Marx’s place in the American comedy canon is undisputed and he is regarded second only to Charlie Chaplin in terms of his status in the comedian fraternity. While most comedians of his generation were stuck to one particular medium, Groucho was most remarkable for his adaptability and mastery of any new medium of entertainment that would appear at the time. For example, long after his brothers faded into retirement, Groucho was still holding stage in radio and Television. By studying the career of Groucho Marx in detail, much about the history of popular culture could be learned. Marx, having lived and performed in the first half of the twentieth century, bore witness to the advances in the way entertainment will be produced and delivered. Hence, Marx’s progress as a performer is interlinked with the revolutionary technological adva ncements of the day. (The Best of Groucho, 37) Vaudeville was a highly innovative form of entertainment that was very popular during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. It comprised a series of short but action-packed â€Å"acts† that could range from comedy skits to dance and music to mimicry. The acts were performed for a direct audience similar to the contemporary theatre and hence required the actors to possess qualities of spontaneity and talents for ad-libbing. Groucho Marx was a prominent exponent of this form of entertainment. The comedy team of the Marx Brothers is best remembered for how they induced convulsions of laughter in the audience. Groucho’s quick wit and funny insults during the Vaudeville days are still remembered fondly by his fans. (The Best of Groucho, 37) We will write a custom essay sample on Groucho Marx and the progression from vaudeville to movies, to radio and to television in the history of popular culture. specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Groucho Marx and the progression from vaudeville to movies, to radio and to television in the history of popular culture. specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Groucho Marx and the progression from vaudeville to movies, to radio and to television in the history of popular culture. specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Marx Brothers’ made a move into a more conventional form of performance art when they worked for the Broadway show â€Å"I’ll Say She Is†. The success of this show led to the more popular shows like The Cocoanuts (1925) and Animal Crackers (1928). This was about the time when silent movies were taking centre stage. It led to both Cocoanuts and Animal Crackers being made into â€Å"talkies†. Its success led to further silent movie offers from Paramount Studios – Monkey Business (1931), Horse Feathers (1932) and Duck Soup (1933). Although these movies were regarded as classics by the critics, their box-office returns were uninspiring, leading to speculation that the Marx Brothers’ days in Hollywood were at an end. (Rosten 104). But contrary to expectations, the Marx Brothers, led by Groucho, revived their Hollywood fortunes through their masterpiece film A Night at the Opera (1935). Some of the more memorable songs from this period include â€Å"Hooray for Captain Spaulding† and â€Å"Lydia the Tattooed Lady†; the trend culminating in 1951 hit Double Dynamite starring Jane Russell. This prolonged Groucho Marx’s career in Hollywood till 1941, by which time he retired from film-making. This was a crucial juncture in Groucho Marx’s career as an important decision awaited him. He would have to choose between a flagging career in the films and a less glamorous foray into radio, which was at its peak popularity in the 1940’s. In the end, Marx’s dedication to the art and his creative versatility led him to choose the latter. This embarked his stint with the radio. During the first few years Groucho Marx saw very little success. His early forays in radio met with only moderate success. The best series produced by the brothers during this period was the 1932 production Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel. Marx’s faith in his own talent and the potential of the radio as a medium was to reap him rewards eventually. His 1947 quiz show You Bet Your Life was a roaring success and remains one of the highlights of this talented performer. A notable feature of the show was the generous splattering of impromptu comments and wisecracks from the master comedian, which had been a defining hallmark of Groucho Marx right through his career. The success of this show, which ran till 1956, would lead Marx into the next stage in his evolution as an artist and performer. (Rogers 110) The phenomenal success of the radio show prompted to its equivalent being made for television. The television version of the show found equally good acclaim and popularity – it secured several Emmy awards. Television also transformed Groucho from a group performer (as part of the Marx Brothers) to an individual act; although he still occasionally performed with his brothers. Another TV show hosted by Groucho at this time was Tell It To Groucho (1962) that was broadcast on CBS; although it was not nearly as popular as the former. In 1965, Groucho Marx moved across the Atlantic to do a show for the British audience. This show, titled Groucho, met only with lukewarm success. But it goes to show the versatility of the artist in Groucho to play to varied sets of audiences. (Rogers 110) Marx remained dedicated to Television for the rest of his illustrious career. This could be taken as an evidence for the grip the medium held on the public consciousness. He partnered Bill Cosby in an improvised variety show which exhibited Groucho Marx’s ability to make complete use of the potential offered by Television as a medium. Years later, much weak due to ill health, Marx still managed to find success in television; but this time in the more subdued form of guest appearances. This is not to say that Marx completely detached himself from other art forms; he was always giving occasional performances in the theatre and in the films right till his death in 1977. A most fitting tribute for his life-time dedication to comedy and entertainment came in the form of an honorary Oscar award in 1974, which was also his last public appearance (Oder 148). Groucho Marx’ legacy could be observed from the number references made to him in the history of popular culture. Bugs Bunny’s dressing as Groucho in the 1947 production Slick Hare is one such reference. The Way We Were party of 1973 thrown by Barbra Streisand saw the guest dressing up as one of the three Marx Brothers. The most witty of the references come in the form of the following comment by Sir Isaiah Berlin – â€Å"The world wouldn’t be /In such a snarl /If Marx had been Groucho /Instead of Karl† (Rosten 104). Thus, a study of the life and career of Groucho Marx is also a study of the development and evolution of popular culture. Works Cited: Oder, Norman. â€Å"Love, Groucho: Letters from Groucho Marx to his Daughter Miriam.(Review).† Library Journal 124.9 (May 15, 1999): 148 â€Å"The Essential Groucho.(Book Review).† The New York Review of Books 47.12 (July 20, 2000): 8. Rosten, Leo. â€Å"I remember Groucho.† Reader’s Digest 121 (Nov 1982): 103(5). Rogers, Michael. â€Å"The Marx Bros. Scrapbook.† Library Journal 114.n19 (Nov 15, 1989): 110(1) â€Å"The best of Groucho.† Publishers Weekly 232.n23 (Dec 4, 1987): 37(1). â€Å"Love, Groucho.(Book Review)(Brief Review).† Contemporary Review 272.n1589 (June 1998): 332. The youngest of the Marx Brothers trio, Julius â€Å"Groucho† Marx, was also the most popular and versatile of the siblings. Groucho Marx’s place in the American comedy canon is undisputed and he is regarded second only to Charlie Chaplin in terms of his status in the comedian fraternity. While most comedians of his generation were stuck to one particular medium, Groucho was most remarkable for his adaptability and mastery of any new medium of entertainment that would appear at the time. For example, long after his brothers faded into retirement, Groucho was still holding stage in radio and Television. By studying the career of Groucho Marx in detail, much about the history of popular culture could be learned. Marx, having lived and performed in the first half of the twentieth century, bore witness to the advances in the way entertainment will be produced and delivered. Hence, Marx’s progress as a performer is .

Consideration for Ethics and Diversity Proposal

Consideration for Ethics and Diversity Proposal Ethics in organizations is an important ingredient of organizational success. Both the employers and employees ought to act ethically to ensure that the goals and objectives of the organization are achieved (Mello, 2006). However, given the different personalities and thinking of human beings, ethical problems in organizations are inevitable.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Consideration for Ethics and Diversity Proposal specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As such, it is important that the human resource department of each organization puts in place appropriate measures to deal with ethical problems facing them. It is because of this that most organizations have in place a â€Å"code of ethics† that shows the expectations of the employer with regard to ethics. The main ethical consideration affecting my division is the high rate of absenteeism by most of the workers. Upon careful review of the workers’ mas ter roll books and clocking schedule, I have noted with a lot of concern that most of the workers fail to report to work during some days of the week. This is a weighty issue because the production rate in my division has in turn significantly gone down. Upon further calculation of the hours lost by the absent employees, the Account department has noted a decline in company’s profits in the last quarter of the financial year. This prompted my department to find out the reasons behind the high rate of absenteeism. It has come to my attention that the workers are complaining of long working hours with few breaks which makes the workers very fatigued and opting to allocate themselves off-days by being absent from work. It is my humble request that a re-schedule is made on the duty rooster of the workers to incorporate more breaks during working hours as well as rotational off-days for the workers. I also request the incorporation of three shifts in my division instead of the cur rent two in order to have workers work for shorter hours. This will not only reduce the rate of absenteeism but it will boost the morale of the workers thus increasing productivity hence higher organizational profits. In addition, it will also improve the reputation of the company on the basis of corporate social responsibility. Diversity is yet another significant issue of concern in organizations. It is brought about by the differences in the culture, race, social class, age and gender of different people (Bohlander Snell, 2007). Given the increase in rate of globalisation where companies are operating in the international market, the issue of diversity is inevitable.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Miscommunication is one of the diversity considerations that are prevalent in my division. Given the fact that the division currently holds people from different cul tural backgrounds who speak different languages, the workplace has in the recent past become hostile. This has significantly affected productivity since most of the time is either spent in arguments or resolving disputes instead of doing constructive work as expected. It is therefore my appeal to the Human Resource Director that proper sensitization and education is done to all the workers in order to make them accustom to different cultures and backgrounds. This will help promote an open and clear atmosphere in the workplace where each individual feels safe and comfortable. This will in turn increase productivity of the workers hence profits. In addition, the human resource department could make formal communication to all the workers regarding the common language to be used in the company in order to avoid cases of miscommunication. Reference List Bohlander, G., Snell, S. (2007). Managing human resources (14th ed.). Mason, OH:  Thomson Higher Education. Mello, J. (2006). Strate gic Human Resource Management. Westford: South-Western  Cengage Learning.

Paragon investors, Vvsion of an organization and strategic planning Essay

Paragon investors, Vvsion of an organization and strategic planning - Essay Example In response, the directors John convened the Willamette renovation project to increase an incorporated management strategy to address the customer’s satisfaction, and how to make their company the best. Dr. Paul John oversees the implementations. Board members include representatives of business, local supervision utilities, communication media, investors, groups, and state and centralized management. The Executive Director, Mr. Rick James, and others staffed the Board’s efforts. Through a series of working groups, research and presentation, the company has been able to achieve its organization goals. Focus groups and stakeholder feedback and comments have also made the company be well know by many investors and have received many awards. Paragon investors accomplished its mandate when it presented its Strategy to the administrator and State elected representatives in February 2001. However, development of an inclusive strategy is just the development in the which has made the company be in the position of delivery it is today. I believe in the five years tomes this company will be known by the people how make the best investment because it has grown in to a leading investment company in a remarkably short time.... Most strategic plans deal with high level initiatives and reaching the organization goals, but don't get converted into in-progress projects and responsibilities that will be required to accomplish the plan. The following expressions have been used in strategic planning: preferred end states, tactics, policies, goals, objectives, strategies and actions. For an organization’s vision and objective to be effective, they must be made into the organization's culture. They should also be checked within and outwardly. The interior appraisal should focus on how staff inside the organization interprets their vision statement. The outer evaluation, which includes all of the businesses stakeholders, is essential since it offers a different viewpoint. There is a significant connection between vision and object. The planners must make sure that when there are planning they should know the vision of the organization. They should make sure that when planning they should stick to the vision o f the organization goals and objective. Vision of the organization help in implantation of the set objective of the organization goals, when an organization has set a period of a give time flame they make sure that, through planning, they are able to deliver the purpose of the organization. Many organizations have a close connection between objective and vision of the organization since the vision help in setting of the goals that need to be achieved. This also helps the managers of the organization as a guide line of what should achieve within a given time. 0rganization make sure that the objective and vision are well implemented to make that the achievement of the stet plans and organization goals are achieved. Strategy implementation is

Organization Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Organization Development - Essay Example This institution was founded in 1979 as a social service agency in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1987, the agency opened an office in Bamburg, South Carolina with the executive director serving as the only staff person. This company does not have a merit system in place. There are enough employees now and the organization wants to implement an appropriate merit system. Within a few months of operation in South Carolina, the first child was placed in one of our foster homes and this institution have consistently grown since. By 1994, the need for serving a special population of foster youth was identified and the agency began providing a medically-fragile program. In March, 2005, Growing Home Southeast acquired the programs of Family Resources, Inc. of Beaufort, SC, increased its staff size to nearly fifty employees statewide, managed services for more than 200 clients and entered the home-based services market. Analysis of the organizational status of the Growing Home Southeast was conducted. Various aspects of the organization were studied such as the management of the organization, projects, supervision of the institution, management of client relationships and strategies. The researcher also performed extensive analysis of database and system response times with custom realtime diagnostic tools, and designed optimizations to address performance, bottlenecks, and increasing database capacity fourfold. According to Choo (2001), scanning or browsing behavior is influenced by external factors such as environmental turbulence and resource dependency, organizational factors such as the nature of the business and the strategy pursued, information factors such... This essay stresses that environmental scanning is the acquisition and use of information about events, trends, and relationships in an organization's external environment, the knowledge of which would assist management in planning the organization's future course of action. Thispaper makes a conclusion that organizations scan the environment in order to understand the external forces of change so that they may develop effective responses which secure or improve their position in the future. They scan in order to avoid surprises, identify threats and opportunities, gain competitive advantage, and improve long- and short-term planning. To the extent that an organization's ability to adapt to its outside environment is dependent on knowing and interpreting the external changes that are taking place, environmental scanning constitutes a primary mode of organizational learning. Environmental scanning includes both looking at information (viewing) and looking for information (searching). It could range from a casual conversation at the lunch table or a chance observation of an angry customer, to a formal market research program or a scenario planning exercise. A sound business practices in place at the Growing Home Southeast will allow clients to meet their b asic necessities of living in addition to being able to save for more costly nonessential items. In addition, the organization may implement an electronic time keeping system to better manage overtime and payroll costs of its employees.

Efficient Market Hypothesis Of Thai Stock Market Dissertation

Efficient Market Hypothesis Of Thai Stock Market - Dissertation Example Value of Durbin-Watson statistics ranged from 0 to 4. A value of zero or near to zero indicated negative autocorrelation, while the value of 2 or near to 2 indicated a positive correlation. Findings as reported in chapter 4 demonstrate that values of Durbin-Watson test for SET 100 Index within series of daily data, monthly data and quarterly data were 1.014, .607, and 1.129 respectively. Therefore, in the individual cases of SET100 for daily and quarterly data, the Durbin-Watson test values were closer to value two that meant no autocorrelation within the finance sector for SET100 daily and quarterly data for the period of 1st January 2010 to December 2013. However, Durbin-Watson test reported for SET100 on monthly data revealed the autocorrelation within the finance sector of Thailand during 1st January 2010 and December 2013. When looked at the overall results of Durbin-Watson for SET100 Index, It was found that stock exchange market of Thailand was not fully efficient and demonstr ated the weak form of efficiency during the concerned period of four years. Findings of Durbin-Watson test for SET50 Index within series of daily data, monthly data and quarterly data were 1.129, 1.377. Results of SET50 Index within series of data from daily and monthly demonstrated that values nearer to the value of two. On other hands, the result of Durbin-Watson test for SET50 Index within series of data on quarterly showed the value of .706 that indicated autocorrelation in the Finance sector of Thailand during four years period.

The Use of ICT in Primary Science Learning

The Use of ICT in Primary Science Learning Earlier in the history of electronic advancement, children in highly developed countries had learned to appreciate and use simple to complex electronic gadgetries but never understood basic principles behind them. Some knew how to assemble robots but could not understand how the motor or magnets in it work. In other words they learn to walk before they crawl. Concerns have reached the classroom as today’s educational systems use more of ICT in teaching basic principles of English, Mathematics, and Science teaching. The question whether how much exposure and competence the pupils must have on certain science principles before they are exposed to ICT as a means of performing laborious, repetitive or more complex tasks is a challenge for educators of today. The schools and all education stakeholders must however understand that the uses of ICT tools are an advantage to both teachers and pupils. Results of several studies conducted throughout the world revealed that the use of ICT greatly increased the level of learning and understanding of the pupils on the scientific principles being studied (Betts, 2003, Mistler-Jackson Songer, 2000, Hogarth et. al, 2006). In fact the ICT tools can even be use to demonstrate science principles in a safer way. For instance, teaching electricity principles to pupils can be both interesting and dangerous. But the advent of computer hardwares and softwares has made it more motivating and rewarding minus the hazards. Primary knowledge and skills about how electrical circuits work, how much power is required for certain types of lights, and others can be learned through simulation and not in actual exposure to real electrical circuits. To determine if ICT is really needed for primary science education and understand when is the proper timing of its introduction into the learning process it is proper to understand first what ICT applications are necessary and how can they be integrated into the learning systems? What are the advantages and disadvantages of its applications? Types of ICT learning tools in science The use of ICT in teaching science for primary education came in various forms. Review of schools’ science teaching modules show the use of ICT hardwares and softwares to obtain and use science information, encoding of data, and creating presentations. Science information materials can be obtained from CD-ROM based encyclopedia and other e-books, journals, and articles, through a wide variety of Internet locations, and through local and international electronic library networks. There are a lot of word processing softwares that can be used to prepare science reports including customized programs for science report preparations. Data processing programs, spreadsheets, databases used for logging science data, processing them, and analyzing the results and its implications are already available for use. Higher-level applications include the use of simulation programs to explain scientific principles and perform experiments in virtual conditions. There are experiments, which are impractical to conduct under normal conditions but can be simulated in computers to show the implications to let the pupils appreciate and understand. Example to this are CD programs that show what would happen if we walk on surfaces of different planets, what are the magnitudes of the gravity in Mars, Pluto, our moons, and others. Children can appreciate the effects through computer images animated based on the actual situation in the simulated locations. Advantages of ICT science learning tools The use of ICT tools has a lot of identified advantages over the use of conventional methods of instructions such as the traditional ordinary chalk and board and the pen and paper system. Several of these identified edge of ICT is discussed below. In primary level ICT applications on data logging using sensitive probes to measure temperature, light, pressure, acidity, and other parameters increase the affectivity in data gathering and extend the range and accuracy of the observations. Ordinary tools used to gather these data such as thermometers, pressure gauges, pH meters or pH papers, and others require manual reading and data quality is dependent on the child’s skills and mode. The use of ICT based instruments has helped free the children from doing laborious task and repetitive works and focus their attention on analysing the meaning of the data. The use of networks through Internet, intranets, e-libraries, and other ICT medium widened the pupil’s access to information and even brought him to places virtual which cannot be accessed easily with conventional means without ICT. Children can access information from libraries in other European, American, Asian, and other countries around the globe without leaving the classroom. Simulation software used in science learning provides higher achievements of students than those not using the simulation, with girls achieving equally with boys (Huppert, 2002). The use of ICT in the classroom makes as much demand on teachers’ understanding and mediation as non-computer activities; however it speeds up the process and makes use of class times more efficiently by eliminating board works as replaced by computer presentations. Illustrations and examples are more realistic with use of virtual replica of real world figures like plants, animals, and objects. ICT has really made learning more fun and exciting and even made to raise the enthusiasm of the pupils as learning is made easy and enjoyable just like games. Disadvantages and problems Just like any other promising technologies the use of ICT has perceived problems in education and in application to teaching-learning in particular. Several reports and reviews enumerated these problems which can be grouped into: teacher related, facility related, and learner related. As far as the teachers are concerned, review of Hogarth, et. al (2006) revealed some of those involved in utilizing ICT in science classes have doubts over the value of ICT in promoting learning in science lessons. This is caused by the fact that many ICT resources have no clear rationale for their inclusion in teaching. The worst case is that some teachers lack adequate training to handle ICT programs and if they are trained they lack the time to plan for effective use of ICT in their lessons. Some teachers lack confidence on the effectiveness of some hardware and software used in the process while others felt threatened by the presence in the classroom of a new, powerful source of information. Yerrick Hoving (1999) also reported that despite similarities in teachers knowledge on ICT the implementation of ICT programs differ with teachers which could have been affected by the school’s and teacher’s practices. In relation to facilities, Hogarth, et al. (2006) reported there are planning difficulties associated with banks of networked computers being located centrally in rooms which had to be booked in advance for the instructional purposes. These are caused by shortage of computers and other hardware and the lack of technical support. Materials in CD-ROMS and websites used in science researches must be controlled to conform to standards. Proliferation of non-approved materials in CDs and online can be a threat to performance and the quality of primary science learning. On the part of the pupils the use ICT, which speeds up the processes may cause learning disparities across different types and learning capacities of pupils especially in the heterogeneous classes wherein fast learners are merged with medium and slow learners. The Importance and Timing of ICT programs in science learning. It has been properly illustrated above that advantages of using ICT in primary science education outweighs that of the disadvantages and that problems identified from different settings can be solved with proper planning and coordination among stakeholders. Whether or not to adopt ICT programs to improve the learning of process skills among primary science pupils is already out of question. The question would be how much exposure to theories and learning the principles of science process skills the learners need before they are exposed to ICT applications. Is it necessary that theories must be learned first before application, or the other way around? The answer requires common sense and areas of concern must be dealt in a case to case basis. There are process skills that require just basic competency such as data encoding, internet browsing, CD-ROMS access. But there are skills that require just theoretical knowledge before ICT applications are used. Graphing is one particular case. To understand the graph, pupils must be taught how it is done and how to anaylyse them. But there are cases when innovativeness and flexibility on the part of the teacher is a better judge. To site an example in most cases pupils are taught about the basics on the physico-chemical properties, such as those mentioned above (temperature, pressure, pH, etc) and what these things are all about before they must be exposed on how to obtain the measurable properties whether conventional of through ICT. The use of ICT here just replaces the conventional which at this age are really outdated. But try to think that other teachers uses unique methods of presenting situations first via simulation software or even data logging programs to spur curiosity among pupils before discussing in depth the concepts behind them. Concepts such as magnetism, the earth, and others can be treated this way. Unless properly regulated, a teacher has the leeway to use his styles in order to achieve the learning outcomes. As a matter of fact, â€Å"who discourages innovation?† Conclusion We have lived into the Third Wave, the Information Age, and no one can argue about that. Whether we like it on not everyone even those who are out of school are exposed to ICT in everyday lives from the TV, the microwave ovens, the heaters, the street lights and everything. These electronic gadgets which have ICT software integrated in them confront us without any advance or basic knowledge about the theories behind them. The fact is everything can be learned if one desires. So if you are tasked to know how to operate a microwave oven you don’t have to understand how the microwave works on the food. But if you want to know about it you have the prerogative to learn. The point is as long as the basic requirement is satisfied then let the children use ICT to learn more. References British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta). 2004. Moving on: The role of ICT in pupil’s transition. Millburn Hill Road Science Park Coventry CV4 7JJ Information and communication technology in primary schools The Annual Report of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools 2004/05. Retrived on Jan 4, 2008 from http://live.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/annualreport0405/4.1.6.html Betts, S., (2003). Does the use of ICT affect quality in learning science at Key Stage 3? Studies in Teaching and Learning, pp. 9-17. Hogarth S, Bennett J, Lubben F, Campbell B, Robinson A (2006) ICT in Science Teaching. Technical Report. In: Research Evidence in Education Library. London: EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London. Huppert, J. (2002). Computer simulations in the high school: Students cognitive stages, science process skills and academic achievement in microbiology. International Journal of Science Education, 24 (8), pp. 803-821. Mistler-Jackson, M., Songer, N.B., (2000). Student motivation and internet technology: Are students empowered to learn science? Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 37 (5), pp. 459-479. Yerrick, R., Hoving, T., (1999). Obstacles confronting technology initiatives as seen through the experience of science teachers: A comparative study of science teachers beliefs, planning, and practice. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 8 (4), pp. 291-307.

Spanish Painters :: essays research papers

Spanish painter, the country's greatest baroque artist, who, with Francisco de Goya and El Greco, forms the great triumvirate of Spanish painting. Velà ¡zquez was born in Seville on June 6, 1599, the oldest of six children; both his parents were from the minor nobility. Between 1611 and 1617 the young Velà ¡zquez worked as an apprentice to Francisco Pacheco, a Sevillian Mannerist painter who became Velà ¡zquez's father-in-law. During his student years Velà ¡zquez absorbed the most popular contemporaneous styles of painting, derived, in part, from both Flemish and Italian realism. Many of his earliest paintings show a strong naturalist bias, as does The Meal, which may have been his first work as an independent master after passing the examination of the Guild of Saint Luke. This painting belongs to the first of three categories—the bodegà ³n, or kitchen piece, along with portraits and religious scenes—into which his youthful works, executed between about 1617 and 1623, may be placed. In his kitchen pieces, a few figures are combined with studied still-life objects, as in Water Seller of Seville. The masterly effects of light and shadow, as well as the direct observation of nature, make inevitable a comparison with the work of the Italian painter Caravaggio. Velà ¡zquez's religious paintings, images of simple piety, portray models drawn from the streets of Seville, as Pacheco states in his biography of Velà ¡zquez. In Adoration of the Magi, for example, the artist painted his own family in the guise of biblical figures, including a self-portra it as well. Velà ¡zquez was also well acquainted with members of the intellectual circles of Seville. Pacheco was the director of an informal humanist academy; at its meetings the young artist was introduced to such people as the great poet Luis de Gà ³ngora y Argote, whose portrait he executed in 1622. Such contact was important for Velà ¡zquez's later work on mythological and classical subjects. In 1622 Velà ¡zquez made his first trip to Madrid, to see the royal painting collections, but more likely in an unsuccessful search for a position as court painter. In 1623, however, he returned to the capital and, after executing a portrait of the king, was named official painter to Philip IV. The portrait was the first among many such sober, direct renditions of the king, the royal family, and members of the court. Indeed, throughout the later 1620s, most of his efforts were dedicated to portraiture. Mythological subjects would at times occupy his attention, as in Bacchus or The Drinkers.