Luca Giordano

Luca Giordano is undoubtedly one of the key artistic figures in Neapolitan Baroque painting. His prolific output and tremendous creative powers were legendary among his contemporaries, earning him the epithet Fà presto. In his early years in Naples, Giordano was substantially influenced by Jusepe de Ribera and later by Pietro da Cortona, whose student he may have been. The artist went on several study trips through Italy, spending a lengthy period in Venice, where he studied the work of Veronese very closely. 

In contrast to his extensive painted oeuvre Giordano produced just six etchings, all of which date to his early period. They are very varied in style and point to the diversity of Giordano’s sources of inspiration. His etchings are rare and were evidently printed in small editions, which can be explained by the fact that at this time the artist did not enjoy the fame that was to come his way in later years. All the works arose in Naples and were issued there by local publishers in the early 1650s immediately after Giordano’s first journey to Venice and northern Italy.

Of the six etchings the artist made the present print is notable for its impassioned drama and almost restless energy, both of which are fully in keeping with the stylistic principles of the Neapolitan Baroque. A complex, multi-figure composition, it has been executed in a light, animated etching technique that is greatly influenced by the work of Ribera and deliberately aims to achieve a painterly, tonal effect. The etching is on offer here in the first state, before the address of the publisher, Francesco Palmieri. Adam von Bartsch notes in this respect: “Les épreuves avant l’adresse sont très rares.“ Paolo Bellini records only a few impressions in the commentary volume of the Illustrated Bartsch. A superb, contrasting impression from the uncleaned plate, with vivid plate tone, numerous wiping marks and narrow thread margins. Minor ageing verso, slightly foxed, occasional minor defects, although the overall impression is very good. Of great rarity.

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