What is lo spagnoletto?

Lo Spagnoletto, also known as Jusepe de Ribera, was a Spanish Baroque painter who was born in Valencia in 1591 and died in Naples in 1652. He was known for his intense and realistic style, particularly in his depictions of religious subjects and naturalistic portraits.

Ribera first trained in Rome, where he absorbed the influence of Caravaggio and his followers. In the early 17th century, he moved to Naples to further his career as an artist, and he quickly became a prominent member of the city's artistic community.

Many of Ribera's paintings feature dramatic light and shadow effects, bold brushwork, and a focus on capturing the emotions and physicality of his subjects. His work was widely admired by his contemporaries and later artists, including Francisco Goya.

In addition to his paintings, Ribera was also known as a talented printmaker and a collector of art and antiquities. His legacy continues to have an impact on the art world today, and his works can be found in major museums and collections around the world.