Luca Giordano (Naples 1634-1705) - The Judgement of Solomon; and The Brazen Serpent

the first signed 'Jordano/F' (lower right); the second signed 'Jordano' (lower right)  a pair, oil on canvas. 62.5 x 74.5 cm. (24½ x 29¼ in.); and (62.5 x 75 cm. (24½ x 29½ in.)(2) - Sold for £40,800

Note: The present depictions of Old Testament subjects date from Giordano's maturity, when he had moved away from the dark manner of early seventeenth century Neapolitan art that was heavily influenced by Caravaggio and Ribera. Following his sojourns in Venice and Florence, where he drew specifically on the style of Pietro da Cortona, he adopted a new use of light and colour. These innovations alongside his sense of dramatic movement were to have a major influence on Baroque art, ultimately heralding the lighter style of the Rococo. Giordano painted a pair of paintings of comparable subjects and on a similar scale during his stay in Spain between 1692 and 1700, at which date they could be found in the Alcazar, Madrid (Jacob's return to Canaan, 59 x 84 cm. and The Song of the Prophetess Maria, 58 x 84 cm., now in the Museo del Prado, Madrid). (Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)

Bonhams. Old Master Paintings, 9 Jul 2008 New Bond Street - www.bonhams.com