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Man Wearing a Large Cloak and a Small Naked Man on His Head

ca. 1637–40
Not on view
Ribera, a prolific draftsman who spent most of his career in Naples, is known for his engaging, caricature-like drawings. Here, a bald man gazing toward the viewer is surmounted by a small figure who holds a banner as if he has conquered a summit. The banner is inscribed with the name Niccolò Simonelli, a Roman collector, patron, and amateur art dealer. The significance of the inscription is not clear. We do not know if Ribera knew Simonelli or if the inscription indicates that Simonelli owned this drawing. The banner might even have been a later addition, and the small man originally may have held only the pole.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Man Wearing a Large Cloak and a Small Naked Man on His Head
  • Artist: Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto) (Spanish, Játiva 1591–1652 Naples)
  • Date: ca. 1637–40
  • Medium: Pen and brown ink with brush and brown wash (recto). Lined with a very thin sheet of paper (verso)
  • Dimensions: 8 3/8 x 3 15/16 in. (21.2 x 10.0 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Harry G. Sperling Fund, 1981
  • Object Number: 1981.395
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

More Artwork
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The Drunken Silenus holding a cup aloft into which a Satyr pours wine, Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto) Spanish, Etching and engraving
The Drunken Silenus holding a cup aloft into which a Satyr pours wine
Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto)
1628
The Penitence of Saint Peter, Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto) Spanish, Etching and engraving
The Penitence of Saint Peter
Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto)
1621
Saint Jerome Reading, Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto) Spanish, Etching, engraving, and drypoint
Saint Jerome Reading
Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto)
ca. 1624
Saint Jerome Hearing the Trumpet of the Last Judgment, Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto) Spanish, Etching, engraving, and drypoint; first state of two (Brown)
Saint Jerome Hearing the Trumpet of the Last Judgment
Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto)
1621
Battle Between a Centaur and a Triton with a Triton, Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto) Spanish, Etching
Battle Between a Centaur and a Triton with a Triton
Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto)
ca. 1620–1640

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