JUAN DE, a Spanish painter, was by descent a mulatto slave, and was born at Seville in 1606. His knowledge of art was acquired in a singular manner. Becoming at an early age the bond servant of Velasquez, he was employed to do the menial work in the studio of that great artist. The daily sight of the creations of genius coming out in form and beauty on the blank canvas kindled within him an inextinguishable love of art. During the day he eagerly watched his master's hand, and during the night he stealthily practised with his master's brushes. Thus, after many years of clandestine assiduity, he attained to no mean skill in painting. Equally singular with this manner of acquiring excellence was Pareja's manner of divulging it. Knowing that the king, Philip IV., would visit the studio on a certain day, he hung up a picture of his own among his master's, with its face to the wall, and loitered close by to wait for the result. The king turned the picture, and admired it; Velasquez in surprise disclaimed all knowledge of the painter; and then the slave, dropping down on his knees before his Majesty, confessed his secret studies, and obtained on the spot not only forgiveness, but also freedom. Pareja proved himself a grateful freedman. During the remainder of Velasquez's life he continued in the house in the two-fold character of an attendant and a scholar. Then he transferred his services to his master's daughter, and remained with her till his death in 1670. A large picture by Pareja, entitled "The Calling of St Matthew," is in the royal gallery of Spain, and is remarkable for its successful imitation of the colouring and manipulation of Velasquez. (Stirling's Artists of Spain.)