a recently discovered Spanish Master painting, auctioned
A painting by Jusepe de Ribera, a 17th century Spanish master, was recently “discovered” by a historian. Entitled “Saint Thomas, Apostle”, the painting is auctioned in Monaco this Sunday. Estimated value 300,000 to 400,000 euros.
It is a work that the art world does not expect. “Saint Thomas Apostle” un table of the youth of Jusep of RiberaSpanish master of the Caravaggio movement.
About fifteen years ago, some twenty unsigned paintings were attributed to him by the Florentine Gianni Papi. The art historian Nicola Spinosaspecialist of Jusep of Ribera confirm. The discovery is major, until then, we did not know of a painting from the youth of the Master.
these first years of the painter are perhaps the most interesting
Eric Turquinexpert in paintings for the auction house of Monaco
For Eric Turquin, painting expert for the Monaco Auction House: “These first years of the painter are perhaps the most interesting, because Ribera had the chance that his trajectory crossed that of Caravaggio, which makes him a passionate artist. Ribera arrived in Italy in 1607, Caravaggio still lives. He is perhaps one of the artists of the Caravaggio movement closest to Caravaggio.”
The painting is dated around 1616 by Spinoza. Preserved in exceptional condition according to experts.
Eric Turquin is insatiable on the work auctioned this Sunday in Monaco.
“Two things are very striking: first of all the hands, very Caravaggesque, in particular the thumb with black under the nail, this slightly disgusting side that we find in Caravaggio. And the lighting, a bit à la Fellini, very cinematographic. Ribera took over from Caravaggio the artificial lighting which concentrates the light. This is the great lesson of Caravaggio. The hands of our painting are absolutely sensational, it is perhaps the most beautiful thing in table.”
Table “Saint Thomas Apostle” part of a series of the twelve Saints.
“There are still some to find” rejoices Eric Turquin.
The work is estimated between 300,000 and 400,000 euros.