Detailed analysis of the historiographical references to the painter Bernabé de Ayala (Jerez, 1620/25-Cadiz, after 1689), one of Francisco de Zurbaran's disciples, as well as some new archival data, permit a new and complete vision of his life, artistic activity and professional relations in the cities of Seville and Cadiz, in close connection with the Altlantic trade. This article also offers new elements about the life of the following artists: Antonio Hidalgo, Diego Trujillo and Miguel Legot (ca. 1627-1695).