Ribera was born in Spain, at Játiva near Valencia, and probably received his training there under Francisco Ribalta. He moved soon afterwards to Italy and following a period in Rome settled in Naples in 1616. Ribera became well known for the realism of his treatment of violent subjects such as 'The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew' and 'The Flaying of Marsyas' (Pitti, Florence, and Museo di San Martino, Naples, respectively), but he also painted genre scenes and religious subjects in a refined classical mode characterised by a rich palette.
Jusepe de Ribera
1591 - 1652
Paintings by Jusepe de Ribera
This painting probably belonged to a series of Apostles and represents either Saint Thomas or Saint Matthias, both of whose attribute is a spear. Ribera painted several such series throughout his career – the most complete, dating from around 1630, is in the Museo del Prado, Madrid. Apostle serie...
Jacob sits next to a stream, holding his shepherd’s staff, surrounded by his flock. Resting beneath a tree, he looks up towards heaven as if seeking guidance or strength: according to the Old Testament story, Jacob agreed to tend Laban’s flock for seven years so that he could marry his daughter R...
Ribera captures the moment when Christ’s lifeless body is laid out after it has been brought down from the Cross. A solemn Saint John the Evangelist, dressed in red and green, gently supports Christ’s elegant corpse. Christ’s pallor is striking – his lips and skin are turning grey-blue – and his...