An Old Man c. 1635

Jusepe de Ribera's "An Old Man" (c. 1635) is a striking example of the artist's signature style, characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro and realistic depictions of human suffering. The old man's weathered face, etched with the lines of time and hardship, is illuminated by a single, powerful light source, casting deep shadows that accentuate the wrinkles and hollows of his features. This dramatic use of light and shadow adds a sense of gravitas to the work, highlighting the fragility of human existence.