The serpent biting its tail symbolises Eternity. The crowned figure of Janus holds the fleece from which the Three Fates draw out the thread of life. The hooded figure is Demagorgon who receives gifts from Nature, from whose breasts pours forth milk. Seated at the entrance to the cave is the winged figure of Chronos, who represents Time.
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 is connected with the ceiling of the Galleria.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1634 - 1705
Full title
The Cave of Eternity
Date made
early 1680s
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
73.1 x 87.5 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by the Trustees of Sir Denis Mahon's Charitable Trust through the Art Fund, 2013
Inventory number
NG6637
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Minerva as Protectress of the Arts and Sciences
from
Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Mythological Scene with the Rape of Proserpine
from
Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
