Portret van Jusepe de Ribera 1827 - 1854

This is Nicolas Maurin’s lithographic portrait of Jusepe de Ribera. The composition is immediately striking for its contrasts—light and dark, defined versus soft. Maurin masterfully uses chiaroscuro. Notice how the stark white collar frames Ribera's face, drawing our eyes to his expression. The face itself, rendered with delicate lines and subtle shading, contrasts sharply with the dark, enveloping coat. This contrast isn't just aesthetic; it evokes a sense of drama and intensity. The soft, almost romantic treatment of the hair adds another layer, creating a tension between the man's inner world and public persona. The formal qualities of the portrait, particularly the interplay of light and shadow, offer a glimpse into the cultural codes of representation of the time. The formal structure destabilizes the conventional values of portraiture by engaging with new ways of thinking.