Vicente Castelló (circa 1585-1636), Workshop Of - Jesus Stands Before The Sanhedrin

Oil on canvas. Relined and restored in Valencia in the early 20th century. This impressive painting, depicting the dramatic moment of Jesus' trial, is a magnificent example of early Spanish Baroque, deeply influenced by the tenebrism and naturalism of the Italian master Caravaggio. This work is attributed to Vicente Castelló (circa 1585–1635), an iconic figure of the Valencian School and a close collaborator of Francisco Ribalta. The style of this work is deeply rooted in the artistic legacy of the Ribalta family, and more specifically of the patriarch Francisco Ribalta (circa 1565–1628). Ribalta was the major figure in the introduction of the aesthetic principles of the Counter-Reformation and Italian naturalism to Valencia. His studio became the nerve center of a new generation of painters who adopted a powerful and emotionally charged realism. This painting brilliantly utilizes tenebrism, a technique that made Ribalta's circle famous. The central figure of Christ is illuminated by an intense, almost divine light that pierces the deep, impenetrable shadows of the background. This striking contrast not only focuses the viewer's attention on the sacred event, but also fulfills a powerful spiritual function, symbolizing the light of truth in a world of darkness and human cruelty. The figures surrounding Christ are rendered with relentless realism. Their faces, with their deep lines and complex expressions, are not idealized, reflecting a transition toward a more accessible and humanistic religious art. The compact and dense composition creates a sense of psychological pressure, intensifying the viewer's empathy and devotion. While the style of the painting is clearly a product of Ribalta's workshop, it can be specifically attributed to Vicente Castelló. A disciple and direct collaborator of Francisco Ribalta, Castelló's work is stylistically very close to that of his master. This work, however, demonstrates a certain solidity of execution and a powerful, direct emotion characteristic of Castelló's hand. The artist assimilated the technical genius of the school and applied it with great personal vigor, creating a work that, while not the work of the master, is a typical example of Valencian Baroque. It demonstrates the influence of the Ribalta family on a generation of artists who would define the visual language of Spanish religious painting for decades. - Unframed image dimensions: 135 x 112 cm - Galerie Montbaron includes a technical sheet prepared by a certified art historian with all its lots. This sheet is sent in digital format upon request.