Luca Giordano | Apotheosis of the Medici | NG6636

Apotheosis of the Medici

Luca Giordano

The male figures in the central group are members of the Medici family. The only one who has recognisable features is the figure in the centre who has the likeness of the aged Cosimo I. Above are Mars and Venus and the chariot of the Moon, preceded by Evening. At the left Saturn holds a scythe and devours one of his children. Apollo is riding the chariot of the Sun, accompanied by the Seasons and preceded by Aurora.

This painting is one of a group of 10 modelli, or elaborated oil studies, made in preparation for the fresco projects that Giordano created for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence. This painting was for the centre of the ceiling of the Galleria.

Key facts

Artist	Luca Giordano
Artist dates	1634 - 1705
Full title	Apotheosis of the Medici
Group	Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Date made	early 1680s
Medium and support	Oil on canvas
Dimensions	139 x 65.2 cm
Acquisition credit	Presented by the Trustees of Sir Denis Mahon's Charitable Trust through the Art Fund, 2013
Inventory number	NG6636
Location in Gallery	Room 40

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Apotheosis of the Medici by Luca Giordano

Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

This group of 10 modelli, or elaborated oil studies, was made in preparation for the fresco projects that Giordano undertook in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence between 1682 and 1685.

Nine are associated with the ceiling of the Galleria and one, the 'Allegory of Divine Wisdom', is for the ceiling of the adjacent Library.

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Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

More paintings by Luca Giordano