The Annunciation 1672

Luca Giordano painted this Annunciation in the late 17th century, likely in his native Naples, a city then under Spanish rule and heavily influenced by the Catholic Church. The scene depicts the angel Gabriel informing Mary that she will conceive and bear the son of God. The visual codes here – the descending angel, the lilies symbolizing purity, and the dove representing the Holy Spirit – were well established by this time. But Giordano’s interpretation also speaks to his socio-political context. Naples was a vibrant, but also turbulent city, with frequent uprisings against Spanish rule. Religious imagery like this served to reinforce the Church's authority and offer solace to a population living through poverty and revolt. To fully understand this work, we can consult archival records, religious texts, and studies of Neapolitan history. By doing so, we see the ways in which art, faith, and power intertwined in 17th century Italy.