Luca Giordano

Luca Giordano (1634-1705) was a prolific and influential Neapolitan painter, renowned for his flamboyant style that bridged the late Italian Baroque and the Rococo. Born in Naples, Giordano trained under the celebrated Spanish painter Jusepe de Ribera. His nickname “Luca fa presto” (“Luca, work fast”) was earned because of his incredible speed in producing large numbers of works, a testament to both his facility and technical prowess. Giordano’s career flourished in Naples, Rome, Florence, and later in Spain, where he was commissioned by King Charles II. He is noted for his innovative approach to composition, mastery of color, and ability to blend influences from masters like Caravaggio, Rubens, and Pietro da Cortona. His extraordinary ability to adapt his style according to the tastes and requirements of his patrons made him one of the most versatile artists of his age. Source: adapted from the artwork essays in this collection.