Giuseppe Ruoppolo: The Shadowed Still Life Master of Naples Giuseppe Ruoppolo (1629-1693) remains a captivating, yet somewhat enigmatic figure in the history of 17th-century Italian painting. A Neapolitan painter deeply rooted in the traditions of his predecessors while simultaneously absorbing new influences, Ruoppolo carved out a distinctive niche for himself within the world of still life. His canvases, often dominated by dark backgrounds and meticulously rendered fruits, flowers, and ceramics, evoke a sense of dramatic intimacy—a legacy largely shaped by the profound impact of Caravaggio…