GIORDANO, Luca
(b. 1634, Napoli, d. 1705, Napoli)

Dream of Solomon

c. 1693
Oil on canvas, 245 x 361 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid

Luca Giordano was one of the most important painters of the late Baroque period, practising a heroic, monumental style seasoned with decorative colour. Invited to Spain by King Charles II in 1692, he was soon established as the leading painter at the Spanish Court. For the crown, he painted in particular the biblical stories of Solomon and David in a spectacular series now divided between the Prado and the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 3 minutes):
George Frideric Handel: Solomon - Chorus: Your harps and cymbals