RIBERA, re-ba'ra, Jose or Jusepe de (known as (Lo Spanish painter : b. Jativa, kingdom of Valencia, 12 Jan. 1588; d. Naples, 1656. Although early entered at the University of Valencia, he preferred the studio of Francisco de Ribalta (q.v.) to the schools of book-learning. He eventually left Valencia for Naples, and thence took up his residence at Rome, where he was given the name of Lo Spagnoletto, the Little Spaniard.' Here he studied the works of Raphael and the Caracci. He also visited Parma and Modena and copied the paintings of Correggio. It is, however, very evident that while he was at Naples Cavaraggio exercised a preponderating influence over his style, and though a Spaniard, he must be ranked as one of the most pronounced representatives of the Naturalistic School of Naples. Pedro de Madrazo calls him •a most excellent painter, who finds his place among the greatest Italian masters." Both in coloring, chiaroscuro and
anatomical knowledge he excels many of the Neapolitan school; but he generally chose gloomy, austere or revolting subjects for his powerful brush, and these he treated with a wild and extravagant fancy which deepened the horror each incident inspired, such are his 'Prometheus Chained to the
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