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Head of Saint John the Baptist, 1644, by Juseppe de Ribera
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Head of Saint John the Baptist, 1644, by Juseppe de Ribera
Juseppe de Ribera (1591-1652). Spanish painter. Head of Saint John the Baptist, 1644. San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Madrid. Spain. Date: 2019
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Media ID 32245944
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1644 Academia Academy Artes Arts Baptist Bearded Behead Beheaded Bellas Blood Dagger Dead Died Fernando Jose Jusepe Real Ribera Spaniard Spagnoletto Tenebrism Tenebrist
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This 17th century artwork, "Head of Saint John the Baptist" by the renowned Spanish painter Jusepe de Ribera, also known as "Lo Spagnoletto" or "The Little Spaniard," is a poignant representation of the iconic biblical figure's final moments. Painted in 1644, this masterpiece is now proudly displayed at the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid, Spain. Saint John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ, is depicted with an expression of profound serenity despite the imminent threat of death. His long, flowing beard, characteristic of the desert hermit, frames a face etched with the lines of age and wisdom. The artist's mastery of chiaroscuro, or tenebrism, is evident in the dramatic contrast between the illuminated face and the dark, enveloping background. The saint's head is tilted slightly to the side, revealing the gaping wound where his throat once was. A dagger, the instrument of his execution, lies nearby, its blade stained with blood. This powerful image evokes a sense of both reverence and melancholy, as we contemplate the martyrdom of this revered religious figure. The "Head of Saint John the Baptist" is a testament to the enduring influence of Spanish art during the Baroque period. Its inclusion in the prestigious collection of the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts underscores its significance as a cultural treasure and a masterpiece of European art history.
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