An important work in the MNAA’s collection of European paintings, The Ecstasy of St. Francis, by Luca Giordano (1634-1705), is once again exhibited following laborious and time consuming restoration work.

Purchased in 1848 for the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the auction of the assets of Queen Carlota Joaquina, wife of King João VI, the painting came from collections gathered in exile by her father, Charles IV, King of Spain and Naples.

During his time, Luca Giordano was one of the most appreciated Baroque painters from Naples and his work has been revalued through a series of major exhibitions. The Ecstasy of St. Francis (1665) is contextualized in this exhibition by another similarly themed painting from a Spanish private collection, signed by Giordano, and two works of art from the MNAA which are attributed to the painter.


CURATOR
Joaquim Oliveira Caetano