Un astrónomo 1617 - 1652

Jusepe de Ribera’s “An Astronomer” is a painting of oil on canvas. Looking closely, you can see how Ribera has skillfully manipulated the viscous material to create this tenebrous scene. Ribera was a master of the Baroque style, known for its dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, and in this piece he used dark pigments to create a somber backdrop, highlighting the astronomer and his illuminated face, shoulders, and arms. Notice the texture of the canvas, where Ribera has built up layers of paint to give a sense of depth and volume. The rough texture of the man's garments is in stark contrast to the smooth, almost polished surface of his skin. It seems that the contrast is not only on the surface but a reflection of the social significance. Ribera’s technical virtuosity extends to the depiction of the paper held by the astronomer, with its subtle gradations of tone and carefully rendered creases. In this way, Ribera invites us to appreciate the inherent qualities of oil paint, and the skilled labor involved in the painting process itself. The canvas and the oil, each play a crucial role in the artwork, blurring the boundary between fine art and craft.