Jusepe de Ribera

José de Ribera was a Spanish Baroque painter, sculptor, and printmaker who made significant contributions to the development of European art. Born in 1591 in Valencia, Spain, Ribera was the son of a painter and was trained in the arts from a young age. He began his career in Rome, where he was influenced by the works of Caravaggio and developed his own unique style characterized by dramatic lighting, intense emotions, and a focus on the human form. Ribera's early work was marked by a sense of realism and a focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people. Throughout his career, Ribera was known for his versatility and ability to adapt to different styles and mediums. He was a prolific painter, producing over 200 works during his lifetime, and was also a skilled sculptor and printmaker. Ribera's most famous works include his portraits of Spanish royalty and nobility, as well as his depictions of scenes from everyday life. He was particularly known for his use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes the contrast between light and dark to create a sense of drama and tension. Ribera's work had a significant impact on the development of European art, and he is still widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the Baroque period.