Karavagism Neapolitan school
Antonio de Bellis was an Italian Baroque painter. Representative of the Neapolitan school of painting, caravagist.
Many pages from the life of the artist remained unknown. Antonio de Bellis worked in Naples in the second third of the 17th century. Along with Jose de Ribera, Massimo Stanzione, Bernardo Cavallini was one of the masters who worked in the style of caravaggism.
Jusepe de Ribera, a Spanish painter, etcher, and draughtsman, was a notable figure in the world of art, renowned for his distinct style and contribution to Castilian tenebrism. Born in 1591 in Játiva, near Valencia, Spain, Ribera's early life and artistic origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with no definitive documentation on his initial training. However, it's speculated that he might have started his artistic journey in Valencia.
Ribera's career took a significant turn when he moved to Italy, where he spent the majority of his professional life, predominantly in Naples, a Spanish territory at that time. He arrived in Naples around 1616 and soon established himself as an important artist in the city. His marriage to Caterina Azzolino, daughter of Sicilian painter Giovanni Bernardino Azzolino, in November of the same year, further solidified his connections in the Italian art scene.
Ribera was deeply influenced by Caravaggio and is often described as one of Caravaggio's followers. His early works displayed a marked tenebrism, characterized by stark chiaroscuro and a robust, scratchy handling of paint. However, Ribera's style evolved over time, moving away from this intense tenebrism to incorporate more color and softer modeling in his later works.
His body of work is diverse, including altarpieces, religious subjects, mythological themes, and portraits. Ribera had a penchant for depicting scenes of martyrdom with graphic realism, as seen in works like the celebrated "Martyrdom of St Bartholomew." Yet, he was also capable of expressing great tenderness, evident in paintings such as "The Adoration of the Shepherds." His secular subjects often depicted philosophers as beggars or vagabonds, adding a unique dimension to the Baroque repertoire.
Ribera's influence extended beyond Naples to Spain and the broader European art scene. He played a foundational role in fostering a respect for individual humanity in Spanish art, a trend that continued with artists like Velázquez and Goya. His works were widely exported to Spain and had a significant impact on both Italian and Spanish art. Ribera remains a highly respected figure in art history, and his works are featured in prominent museums and galleries worldwide, showcasing his enduring legacy in the realm of art and culture.
For art collectors and experts, Ribera's works represent a crucial chapter in the development of European art, particularly in the context of the Spanish Baroque and the evolution of tenebrism. His innovative approach to subject matter and technique continues to inspire and captivate audiences, making his works highly sought after in the world of art and antiques.
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Mattia Preti was an Italian Baroque artist renowned for his dynamic and dramatic style, heavily influenced by Caravaggio. Born in Taverna, Calabria, in 1613, Preti's work spanned Italy and Malta, where he became a Knight of the Order of St. John and significantly contributed to the artistic landscape with his religious and mythological scenes. His career took him from Rome, where he was influenced by major painters of the early 17th century like Domenichino and Pietro da Cortona, to Naples and finally Malta, where he left an indelible mark on the St. John's Co-Cathedral through a series of paintings on the life and martyrdom of St. John the Baptist.
Preti's work is characterized by a rich Caravaggesque influence, noted for its vivid naturalism and dramatic use of light and shadow. However, his later works also display a blend of influences, including Neovenetian atmospheres and a reflection on Bolognese classicism, showcasing his versatility in adapting and synthesizing various stylistic elements of his time. Preti's paintings are celebrated for their emotional intensity and the ability to convey complex biblical and historical narratives with a profound sense of humanity and divine inspiration.
His paintings are held in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Louvre in Paris, the Museo del Prado in Madrid, and the National Museum of Fine Arts in Malta, featuring masterpieces such as "The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist" and "The Death of Sophonisba". Preti's commitment to Caravaggesque vocabulary, even as he explored the influences of Veronese and possibly Rembrandt, showcases his unique position in the Baroque era, bridging the gap between Caravaggio's intense realism and the emerging Baroque idealism.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, the legacy of Mattia Preti offers a fascinating study in the evolution of Baroque painting, reflecting the complex interplay of light, shadow, and color that defines the period. His works continue to inspire and captivate audiences, bearing testament to his skill and creative vision.
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