The Virgin and Child Appearing to Saint Francis of Assisi c. 1680s

Luca Giordano painted The Virgin and Child Appearing to Saint Francis of Assisi using oil on canvas. The material itself, oil paint, is interesting. Unlike fresco, which involves applying pigment directly to wet plaster, oil allows for layering and a luminous depth. Giordano was known for his speed, and you can see that bravura handling here in the swirling clouds and the loose rendering of Saint Francis’s habit. It's easy to imagine him working quickly, building up the composition with confident strokes. But don't mistake speed for simplicity. The canvas would first have been carefully prepared, stretched and primed, a job often done by workshop assistants. And while Giordano’s technique might seem spontaneous, it was underpinned by a deep understanding of colour theory and anatomy. The social context is crucial too. This wasn't just an act of individual expression. Giordano was operating within a well-established system of patronage, producing works for wealthy clients who wanted to display their piety and their taste. Considering all these factors gives us a much richer understanding of the painting. It's not just a beautiful image; it's a product of skill, labor, and social forces.