An Apostle
- Artist: Jusepe de Ribera
- Date: about 1615-19
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
"This is the 'An Apostle' by Jusepe de Ribera. Painted in the early 17th century, around 1615 to 1619, this oil on canvas work is a striking example of Ribera's ability to capture the human form with incredible detail and realism. Notice how the apostle's lined and ruddy complexion contrasts with the softness of his beard. The gritty realism of his hand and dirty fingernails are also characteristic of Ribera's style.
The artist has used a very limited colour range, which adds to the sense of intimacy and humanity that pervades this painting. And what really draws you in is the apostle's gaze - it's as if he's fixing his eyes directly on you, imbuing the viewer with an astonishing sense of presence. It's no wonder Ribera based him on a real man. The style suggests this is one of his earlier works, and it's possible that it was part of a series of apostle paintings from around 1630 that are now in the Museo del Prado in Madrid."
See it in person
An Apostle hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
