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Museum of the Empordà

Sant Joan Evangelista a Patmos (St. John the Evangelist in Patmos)

Sant Joan Evangelista a Patmos, (St. John the Evangelist in Patmos), attributed to José de Ribera (Xàtiva 1588 - Naples 1652), undated (17th century). Oil on canvas, 170 x 137 cm. Museum of the Empordà. Figueres.

 

Sant Joan Evangelista a Patmos, (St. John the Evangelist in Patmos), attributed to José de Ribera (Xàtiva 1588 - Naples 1652), undated (17th century). Oil on canvas, 170 x 137 cm. Museum of the Empordà. Figueres.

 

This work, attributed to Ribera, is an example of Baroque naturalist work, inspired by the tenebrism of Caravaggio. The gleaming whiteness of the chest, face and extremities contrasts with the black robe, the grey background of the composition and the red cape. In the bottom left corner, amongst the darkness, there is an eagle, a symbol of inspiration for the saint who undertook the significant challenge of writing the Book of Revelation on the island of Patmos.

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