The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew - Jusepe de Ribera
Archival giclée
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Description
A detailed 1624 etching by Jusepe de Ribera depicting the dramatic martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew with masterful use of line and shadow.
Jusepe de Ribera, a Spanish painter and printmaker active in Italy, produced this etching in 1624. It depicts the final moments of Saint Bartholomew, who is shown bound to a tree while his executioner prepares to flay him. Ribera was known for his command of the etching medium, using varied line weights to create texture and volume. The composition focuses on the physical strain of the saint, whose body is rendered with anatomical precision. The executioner, positioned to the left, is depicted with a rugged, realistic appearance that contrasts with the saint's expression of spiritual resignation.
Ribera spent much of his career in Naples, where he absorbed the influence of Caravaggio. This print demonstrates his interest in tenebrism, even within the monochromatic constraints of etching. The cross-hatching techniques create deep shadows and define the musculature of the figures, while the background remains relatively sparse to keep the viewer's attention on the central action. The inclusion of the crown and palm branch at the top of the composition serves as a traditional iconographic reference to the saint's martyrdom and subsequent entry into heaven.
This work is a fine example of the seventeenth-century interest in dramatic, often brutal, religious narratives. Ribera avoids idealisation, choosing instead to present the scene with a raw, tactile quality. The print reflects the technical skill required to balance complex figure groupings with the limitations of the copper plate. Collectors of Baroque art will appreciate the clarity of the line work and the emotional weight conveyed through the artist's mastery of light and shadow. It remains a significant piece for those interested in the development of printmaking techniques during the early modern period.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew - Jusepe de Ribera
Artist Biography
Jusepe De Ribera
Ribera's paintings are characterised by their raw, almost brutal, depiction of human suffering and religious ecstasy. He frequently portrayed saints and philosophers as weathered, world-worn figures, imbuing them with a palpable sense of humanity. Key works such as 'The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew' and 'The Clubfoot' showcase his mastery of light and shadow, and his willingness to confront difficult subjects with unflinching honesty. This unflinching approach earned him both admirers and detractors, but it also solidified his reputation as one of the most important and influential artists of his time.
Despite his Spanish roots, Ribera spent the majority of his career in Italy, becoming known as 'Lo Spagnoletto' (the Little Spaniard). He left behind a legacy of powerful and moving artworks that continue to resonate with viewers today. His influence can be seen in the works of later masters such as Goya and Rembrandt, who admired his ability to capture the human condition with such visceral intensity. Owning a Ribera print is to own a piece of art history, a testament to the enduring power of Baroque art.
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