Luca Giordano (October 18, 1634 – January 3, 1705) was an accomplished Italian painter and an adept printmaker in etching during the late Baroque period. With a fluent and decorative style, he enjoyed success in prominent Italian cities like Naples, Rome, Florence, and Venice before embarking on a ten-year artistic journey in Spain.
Luca Giordano was born in Naples as the son of the painter Antonio Giordano. Around 1650, he became an apprentice to Ribera, a renowned painter, based on the recommendation of the Viceroy of Naples. Giordano's early artistic endeavors were significantly shaped by his mentor, Ribera. Much like Ribera, Giordano produced numerous half-length portraits of philosophers. These works featured both imaginary representations of specific philosophers and archetypal depictions of these intellectual figures.
Giordano acquired the moniker "Luca fa presto," which translates to "Luca paints quickly." This nickname stemmed from his remarkable speed, both in designing his artworks and executing them. Giordano's versatility was another distinctive trait, allowing him to convincingly mimic the styles of other painters. These remarkable qualities earned him two additional epithets: "The Thunderbolt" (Fulmine) and "The Proteus" of the art world.
After a period of study in Rome, Parma, and Venice, Giordano cultivated an elaborate Baroque style that skillfully combined influences from Venetian and Roman art. His mature works showcased a harmonious fusion of the ornate grandeur reminiscent of Paul Veronese and the intricate and grandiose schemes found in the "grand manner" of Pietro da Cortona. Giordano was also celebrated for his vibrant and spectacular use of color in his paintings.
