Saint James the Greater c. 17th century

Jusepe de Ribera's "Saint James the Greater" is a 17th-century oil painting depicting the apostle Saint James, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. The painting showcases Ribera's mastery of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes strong contrasts between light and dark, creating a dramatic and intensely realistic portrait. Saint James, identified by his traditional attributes of a pilgrim's staff and a scallop shell, holds a piece of parchment, possibly symbolizing his role as a preacher and writer. The work exemplifies Ribera's artistic style, which was known for its powerful realism and dramatic use of light.