An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Christ Among the Doctorsc. 1685
Artist: Luca Giordano
Italian (Naples), 1634 - 1705
youth with a halo (Jesus) with long curly blonde hair wearing draping blue garments seated on a raised chair in URQ; male figures seated and standing, gesturing and conversing with each other; man in foreground wearing green skirts and brown shawl seen from back, turning toward PR; man with his PR hand on his chin wearing a blue turban near center with heavy-set man in brown turban behind him, looking over PR shoulder; columns in ULQ; red curtain at top; papers and books in LRQ; circular frame with high relief carvings on fruits and pinecones
43 9/16 × 43 9/16 in. (110.6 × 110.6 cm) (sight, tondo)
54 1/2 × 54 1/2 × 6 3/4 in. (138.4 × 138.4 × 17.1 cm) (outer frame, circular)
Fresco on lime on a wicker support
Painting
Italy
17th century
The John R. Van Derlip Trust Fund and gift of funds from Leni and David Moore
In the bustling heart of 17th century Naples, where creativity erupted like wild flowers through the cobblestone streets, a remarkable artist named Luca Giordano roamed. Often dubbed ‘fa presto’—which means ‘make it quick’—he was a whirlwind of vibrant colors and swift brush strokes. His talent was a dazzling display of the grand Baroque style, which captivated those fortunate enough to witness his work. Giordano painted not just for a city, but for the world, with his artistry gracing esteemed locations in Rome, Venice, and Florence. Even the royal court of Charles II in Spain recognized his genius, welcoming him as their painter, a title that echoed across Europe.
Amidst this tapestry of brilliance, a particular moment in history unfolded in Florence between 1685 and 1686. Andrea Del Rosso, a man of influence and synergy, commissioned Giordano. The air was charged with excitement, each brush stroke waiting for the artist’s touch. Del Rosso, who had first crossed paths with Giordano on a fraught business trip in Naples, had paved the way for him to meet the illustrious Medici family and other patrons—allowing the artist to unfurl his wings in the familiar yet enchanting realm of Florence.
Del Rosso rolled out the red carpet in the grand halls of his family’s palace, transforming it into a sanctuary for creativity and collaboration. Here, Giordano embraced a fresh challenge—a new technique known as portable fresco painting, a revolutionary idea birthed in Florence that allowed murals to transcend the confines of their walls like birds soaring from their nests. Using a wicker support, Giordano executed his work with breathtaking speed, mastering the craft in just two days.
His creation, “Christ Among the Doctors,” emerged from his hands like magic. Adopting the tondo format—circular, harmoniously encapsulating life—he breathed life into the canvas with a composition that swirled in dynamic motion. Lively expressions danced upon the faces of his figures, their dramatic poses telling stories of deep conversation and enlightenment. The lighting, theatrical and bold, seemed to echo the very spirit of baroque theatricality, illuminating the essence of every character in the scene.
In this brief yet impactful chapter of art history, a vivid dance of colors on wicker became a bridge connecting Giordano’s rapid brilliance to the serene beauty of Florence’s grand traditions. And as Giordano’s brush glittered with unyielding passion, he wove a tapestry of human connection, illustrating the profound impact art can have on society, a narrative eternally preserved in the strokes of a master.
About the artist
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