Vision of St Bruno
by RIBERA, Jusepe de, Oil on copper, 38 x 27 cm
Ribera’s inspired fusion of naturalism and classicism reached a peak in 1643. Around 1644 he was stricken with an incapacitating illness. The exact nature of his affliction is not clear, but it continued to plague him for several years, making it impossible for him to work except intermittently. The Vision of St Bruno was executed before his illness.