Une fileuse

A Spinner (Une Fileuse) by Ribera depicts a woman at her spinning, a domestic subject unusual in his oeuvre. The painting demonstrates Ribera's ability to bring the same naturalistic intensity to everyday subjects as to his saints and philosophers. Ribera's technique combined meticulous drawing from life with bold Caravaggesque chiaroscuro, applied in oil on canvas using impastoed highlights over transparent warm-toned grounds. His Neapolitan workshop produced works for Spanish viceroys, Ital...

The spinning woman is rendered with careful observation of the working gesture and domestic setting. Ribera's characteristic lighting and direct observation enliven the humble subject.