An aged philosopher gazes upward, his face bathed in light, a worn book in his hands. This painting is one of a series portraying ancient Greek philosophers in moments of quiet contemplation by the Spanish artist Jusepe de Ribera. Commissioned by the prince of Liechtenstein in 1636 with six others, the painting remained in the family’s collection for 300 years.
The rediscovery and publication of classical Roman texts in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries generated new interest in ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. While uncertain, the subject of this painting may be Plato, based on remarks by Greek biographer Laertius, who described the philosopher as “frowning,” with “eyebrows lifted high like a snail” and eyes and mouth that had never been touched by laughter. In each picture of the series, Ribera rendered the wise men as humble and poor, underscoring their cultivation of metaphysical rather than material pursuits. Together, the canvases would have provided inspiration for discussion among the prince’s guests about the learned men’s works.
The asceticism for which certain ancient philosophers, prophets, and saints were known appealed to Spanish Catholics. Their learnedness also reflected the interests of the Spanish nobility who ruled Naples and were Ribera’s most important clients. Arriving in Rome in his late twenties, Ribera spent the remainder of his career in Naples and continued to be proud of his Spanish heritage: he signed this painting, “Jusepe de Ribera español.”
2025
