José Ribelles y Helip was a Spanish painter, born on May 4, 1778, in Valencia, Spain. His artistic journey began under the tutelage of his father, who was also a painter. Ribelles later moved to Madrid to further his studies and career. In Madrid, he was influenced by the works of renowned Spanish artists such as Francisco Goya and Mariano Salvador Maella, who were prominent figures in Spanish art during that period.
Ribelles is known for his detailed and realistic style, which was somewhat at odds with the prevailing Romantic sentiment of his time. His body of work includes religious themes, still lifes, landscapes, and historical subjects. His penchant for detail and realism is particularly evident in his depictions of natural scenery and his still life paintings, which often featured botanical accuracy that was ahead of his time. Ribelles was also proficient in tapestry design and worked for the Real Fábrica de Tapices de Santa Bárbara in Madrid, creating designs that would be woven into tapestries.
Throughout his career, Ribelles received various commissions from the Spanish court and religious institutions, which helped to cement his reputation as a skilled artist. Despite his accomplishments, Ribelles did not achieve the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries. Nonetheless, his works are considered significant contributions to Spanish art of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
José Ribelles y Helip's career was cut short by his untimely death on December 20, 1835, in Madrid. Although his life ended at the age of 57, his artistic legacy continued to be appreciated by art historians and collectors. Today, his works can be found in various museums and private collections, providing insight into the artistic trends and cultural contexts of his era.