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

Christ Cleansing the Temple

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Oil on canvas
Bob Jones University Collection, Greenville

Luca Giordano was a true chameleon of art. Giordano was a pupil of Ribera, influenced by his almost brutal manner. In 1652, he visited Rome, Florence, and Venice. He absorbed something of the Venetian tradition, especially Veronese, which he mixed with the Baroque theatricality of Pietro da Cortona and abandoned Caravaggio-style chiaroscuro. He produced many pieces for Neapolitan churches; shimmering reflections of his prodigiously rapid technique.