Luca Giordano (1634-1705) was one of the most prolific Italian painters of the Baroque era. Palazzo Medici Riccardi presents an exhibition of his profound works that act as a further testimony to the relationships he formed with the most noble Florentine families of the time.
Giordano is a true Neapolitan but spent some time in Florence between 1682 and 1686 where he gained quite the popularity amongst noble families including the Medici Grand Dukes of Tuscany as well as the Del Rosso, Corsini, Sanminiati, Andreini, Martelli and the Riccardi families. His success throughout Italy and notably in Florence gained him his crowning success in Spain, where he was appointed as court painter.
The exhibition starts on the ground floor where visitors are taken through several rooms of canvases varying in size but equal in their impact. Rich oil paintings adorn the walls, scattered with warmth, darkness, and undeniably impressive depictions of light. Images of the holy spirit shower the canvas with an angelic glow contrasted with deep shadows. Along with religious context, Giordano also had an interest in mythological stories. This is seen in his paintings of The Abduction of Proserpine and The Judgement of Paris.
The other part of the exhibition is hosted in the Gallery of Mirrors. The opulent atmosphere of the space is the perfect backdrop to the paintings coming to life as each frame is backlit, emphasizing their magnificence. Included in this part of the exhibition is a depiction of the Allegory of Divine Wisdom, Giordano is said to have painted in just five days.
The exhibition of Luca Giordano’s works will be on display in Palazzo Medici Riccardi until September 5.
