The Lamentation over the Dead Christ

1616–1656 · Wirkungsort

Naples

1626

The Cross of the Order of Christ from Pope Urban VIII

In 1626 Pope Urban VIII awards Ribera the Cross of the Portuguese Order of Christ.

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.