The Triumph of Cybele c. 1697

Luca Giordano rendered this drawing of 'The Triumph of Cybele' using pen and brown wash over black chalk. Giordano, a dynamic figure in the late Baroque period, was deeply influenced by the theatricality and grandeur of his time. His work reflects the prevailing societal norms that celebrated power and divinity through allegorical representations. Here, Cybele, the Phrygian earth goddess, is depicted in triumphant procession, surrounded by a retinue of figures amidst swirling clouds, evoking a sense of awe and reverence. It's important to remember that in the 17th century, representations of female figures often served to reinforce societal expectations of women as symbols of fertility and abundance. However, the dynamic composition and energetic execution of the drawing also suggests a subversion of traditional representations, conveying a sense of power and agency. Giordano uses dynamic composition to invite us to contemplate the intersections of identity, power, and representation within the socio-cultural landscape of his time.