Luca Giordano

Luca Giordano, a pupil of Ribera, was an artist whose speed and versatility earned him the nicknames Luca?F?-presto?(Work-quickly) and?Fulmine (Lightning bolt). Giordano traveled extensively and was one of the most highly sought-after painters of his day. From 1692-1702,?he was a court painter in Spain on the invitation of Charles II. Though his early work clearly reflects Ribera’s influence, he eventually embraced an airier, more decorative manner, with an exuberant use of color. He had a reputation for munificence, especially with poorer painters.

Submitted by Lawton Mull