The Poet (copy in reverse) 1620 - 1685

"The Poet (copy in reverse)" is a 17th-century etching by the renowned Spanish artist Jusepe de Ribera. The drawing depicts a poet, wearing a laurel wreath, seated pensively on a rock. The figure's melancholic pose and the dramatic use of light and shadow create a powerful and evocative image. This work, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, exemplifies Ribera's mastery of chiaroscuro, a technique favored by Baroque artists. Ribera, known for his realistic depictions of the human figure, achieved widespread acclaim during his lifetime. This artwork showcases his distinctive style, offering a glimpse into the inner world of a solitary poet.