Luca Giordano - biographical facts
Luca Giordano (1632-1705) was an Italian painter whose father, a painter
of inferior ability, so often urged his son to "work quickly" that
Luca earned the nickname of "Fa-presto"—Work-fast. He was born at
Naples. He displayed exceptional ability at an early age, and the
Viceroy of Naples had him placed under an excellent tutor, and the lad
learned so rapidly that he was soon fitted for important work. In 1678
he completed an immense picture commemorating the peace between France,
Holland and Spain. At the invitation of Charles II of Spain Giordano
went to Madrid in 1687 and remained there thirteen years. While at
Madrid he painted some of his best frescoes, in the chapel of San
Lorenzo, and on the grand staircase of the Escorial. In 1700 Giordano
returned to Naples, wealthy and famous. Owing to his ability to work
rapidly, the painter has left a vast number of pictures. They are to be
found in all the chief European galleries. Among his best works are
Venus and Mars, Jesus Expelling the Traders from the Temple, David With
the Head of Goliath, Lot and His Daughters, The Judgment of Paris and
Moses and the Brazen Serpent.
