Very important Adoration of the Shepherds, workshop version of José de Ribera, Neapolitan school of the 17th century

Very important Adoration of the Shepherds, workshop version of José de Ribera, Neapolitan school of the 17th century
Oil on canvas. Quite possibly a version of the Spanish master's workshop. Composition that bears similarities to the one preserved in the Escorial Palace (Madrid), and made around 1640. Due to the poor condition of the Escorial work, scholars have some doubts about its authenticity. The best preserved areas contain characteristic elements of Ribera's work, but the documentation on the image is somewhat contradictory. In the inventory carried out after the death of Carlos II, an image of a similar size appears that could be this painting, but there is no documentary evidence to confirm this hypothesis. The artist has placed the Virgin and Child in the center of the composition while the shepherds adore Jesus on each side, forming a circle. All of them have been made in a naturalistic style and their gestures and expressions, taken from working-class models, stand out especially. Saint Joseph has also been executed in a naturalistic style while the Virgin, Child and the choir of angels in the upper body are more idealized and classicist. The lighting used is inspired by darkness, although in the background a cloudy sky can be seen with a sunset similar to that of San Juan Bautista. Framed measurements: 267 x 174, canvas measurements: 254 x 159 cm The lighting used is inspired by darkness, although in the background a cloudy sky can be seen with a sunset similar to that of San Juan Bautista. Framed measurements: 267 x 174, canvas measurements: 254 x 159 cm The lighting used is inspired by darkness, although in the background a cloudy sky can be seen with a sunset similar to that of San Juan Bautista. Framed measurements: 267 x 174, canvas measurements: 254 x 159 cm