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 Enríquez Afán de Ribera, 3rd Duke of Alcalá (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 Alcalá series.
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