Artwork
Saint Andrew
Saint Andrew is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Jusepe de Ribera. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Saint Andrew is a 1631 oil on canvas painting by Jusepe de Ribera, housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The work originally belonged to the royal collection at the Casita del Príncipe in the Escorial.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Saint Andrew, identifiable by the large wooden cross he holds in his left hand. The saint is portrayed with white hair and beard, wearing a simple white loincloth. A skull on a nearby table alongside his resting right hand adds a contemplative and somber note to the composition.
Technique & Style
Ribera employs chiaroscuro to dramatic effect, contrasting strong light on the saint's muscular form with deep, dark shadows in the background. This technique accentuates the three-dimensionality of the figure and the objects, drawing the viewer's eye to the central subject.
History & Provenance
Originally part of the royal collection at the Casita del Príncipe in the Escorial, the painting is now part of the Museo del Prado's collection in Madrid. A copy by Marià Fortuny i Marsal was acquired by the Prado in 2014.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jusepe de Ribera (Valencian: ; baptised 17 February 1591 – 3 November 1652) was a Spanish painter and printmaker.
