José de Ribera

José de Ribera was a prominent Spanish painter of the 17th century, known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, which exemplified the Baroque style. He was born in 1591 in Játiva, Spain, and spent much of his career in Italy, where he became associated with the Caravaggesque movement. Ribera's works often depicted religious and mythological subjects with a focus on realism and emotional intensity. His influence on Spanish art is significant, as he helped to bridge the gap between the Italian Baroque and the emerging Spanish artistic identity. In recent news, a painting attributed to Caravaggio, which was previously thought to be a work of Ribera, was discovered in Madrid, showcasing the ongoing intrigue surrounding the works of these two masters.