Luca Giordano, called Fa Presto

At least three versions of this Lamentation composition exist in various formats; the present lot is likely an autograph version. The prime version, which has nearly identical dimensions and an arched top, was painted at the onset of Giordano's career in circa 1665 and is now in the Instituto di Santa Maria della Pietà, Venice.¹ A version in rectangular format with more angels was sold at Sotheby's London in 1974. Recent scholarship has confirmed that Giordano often painted nearly identical versions of the same subject for different patrons or locations.

The pale body of Christ falls into the viewer's plane as it is supported by Nicodemus on the left and Mary Magdalene on the right. The Virgin and a figure who could be one of the Marys are cast in shadow beside Joseph of Arimethea and St. John the Evangelist, who clasps his hands in prayer.

We are grateful to Giuseppe Scavizzi for confirming, on the basis of photographs, that the Shanks painting is very likely an autograph version by Giordano.

1. Oil on canvas with arched top, 175 by 100 cm. See O. Ferrari and G. Scavizzi, p. 279, cat. no. A180, reproduced fig. 260.