The Duel of Isabella de Carazzi and Diambra de Pottinella

Ribera is known primarily for his religious subjects, but he painted a number of mythological and historical scenes. This painting represents a true story, a duel between two women, Isabella de Carazzi and Diambra de Pottinella for the love of Fabio de Zeresola. Probably the unusual or grotesque nature of the story attracted Ribera; altenatively he wished to satirize duels for honour, a common phenomenon in the Naples of his time. Ribera employs the warm colouring typical of his mature work.