Giordano was the leading Neapolitan painter of the late 17th century. His work was greatly sought after throughout his life, and his career took him from Naples to Florence, and to Madrid, where he became court painter to King Charles II of Spain. Paintings from each of these periods are represented in the exhibition, as are works of diverse subject matter: allegorical, mythological, genre, and religious.
The artist’s speed and fluidity is legendary. Nicknamed “Luca fa presto” (literally, “Luca paints quickly”), Giordano is said to have been the most prolific artist until Picasso. Yet, his finished paintings are characterized by a sophistication in composition and a richness in finish that belies any suggestion of brevity or speed.
Our exhibition, the first dedicated to Giordano in New York City, brings together major paintings by the artist from both, private collections and the gallery inventory.
