Platon

1616–1656 · Virkested

Naples

late 1620s

Recognised as Naples's leading painter

Ribera's career picks up in the late 1620s, and he is accepted as the leading painter in Naples thereafter; he runs a workshop with many pupils, among them Francesco Fracanzano, Luca Giordano, Bartolomeo Passante and Hendrick de Somer.

1630

Velázquez visits Ribera in Naples

In 1630 Diego Velázquez visits Ribera in Naples — evidence of how well known the master was in his homeland.

1630s

The palette brightens: from tenebrism to colour

In the 1630s Ribera's colour range changes under the influence of Anthony van Dyck, Guido Reni and others: stark tenebrism gives way to more diffused light.