José de Ribera (Spagnoletto): A Titan of Baroque Realism José de Ribera (1591 – 1649), born José Martínez Ricci in Naples, Italy, stands as one of the most influential painters of the Spanish Baroque era. Though overshadowed by El Greco during his lifetime, Ribera’s uncompromising dedication to anatomical accuracy and dramatic chiaroscuro—the masterful use of light and shadow—earned him enduring fame and cemented his place among the foremost artists of his time. His work transcends mere representation; it embodies a profound psychological depth that continues to resonate with viewers centuri…