Artwork
Saint Bartholomew
Saint Bartholomew is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Jusepe de Ribera. It dates from 1641 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work was created in 1641 and is part of the collection owned by Ferdinand VII of Spain, now housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
The painting portrays Saint Bartholomew holding a knife, a traditional attribute that identifies him as one of the twelve apostles and recalls his martyrdom by flaying. Ribera’s composition emphasizes the saint’s solemn expression and the stark realism of his aged features, underscoring themes of faith and sacrifice within a religious context. The work was created in 1641 and is part of the collection owned by Ferdinand VII of Spain, now housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Technique & Style
Created in 1641, Jusepe de Ribera's Saint Bartholomew is an oil painting executed on a canvas support. The work measures 197 cm in height and 183 cm in width. As a religious painting, its formal qualities include the depiction of the knife associated with the martyrdom of Bartholomew the Apostle.
The piece was originally owned by Ferdinand VII of Spain and is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
History & Provenance
The work was painted in 1641 by Jusepe de Ribera and is recorded as a religious painting depicting Saint Bartholomew.
Its early modern ownership traces to Ferdinand VII of Spain, indicating that it entered the Spanish royal collection by the early nineteenth century. The painting is currently held by the Museo del Prado in Madrid, where it is catalogued as P01100.
Overview
Saint Bartholomew, a 1641 oil painting by Jusepe de Ribera, is a prominent work of the early Italian Baroque period, now housed at the Museo del Prado.
Context
As a Baroque piece from the early Italian movement, Saint Bartholomew reflects the era's emphasis on emotional intensity and dramatic lighting, characteristic of Ribera's style during his time in Naples.
Legacy
While specific influences or direct artistic descendants are not detailed, the painting remains a significant example of early Italian Baroque, showcasing Ribera's mastery of expressive and technically proficient work.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jusepe de Ribera (Valencian:; baptised 17 February 1591 – 3 November 1652) was a Spanish painter and printmaker.
