The Philosopher Thales
by RIBERA, Jusepe de, Oil on canvas, 126 x 94 cm
The present work is one of numerous ‘beggar-philospher’ pictures produced by Jusepe de Ribera and his studio during the 1630s. The origin of these works relate to a commission undertaken by Ribera for Don Fernando Enr�quez Af�n de Ribera, 3rd Duke of Alcal� (1583-1637), when the latter was viceroy of Naples between 1629 and 1632. It is suggested that the present canvas depicting Thales was part of the original Alcal� series.