An Allegory of Christian Charity 

Luca Giordano painted this Allegory of Christian Charity, sometime in the 17th century, with oil on canvas. The eye is immediately drawn to the monumental figure of Charity at the center, a study in the baroque aesthetic of dynamic composition, where forms spiral and intertwine. Giordano uses a warm palette, dominated by reds and blues, to convey a sense of vitality and warmth. The brushwork is fluid, creating a soft, almost sensuous texture. The allegory complicates simple interpretations of Christian charity by drawing from the classical language of mythological imagery to suggest the endless bounty of nature. Giordano blends Christian and classical themes. The landscape, punctuated with heavy cloud, provides a theatrical stage for the drama. The painting’s formal qualities – its dynamic composition and blending of traditions – invite a continuous re-evaluation of the artwork.