Christ kneels and writes on the pavement at center and a woman taken in adultery by three soldiers at right
1653
Medium
Etching
Dimensions
Sheet: 14 1/8 × 19 3/4 in. (35.9 × 50.2 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Phyllis Massar, 2011
Accession Number
2012.136.912
Tags
Art Historical Context
In this striking 1653 etching by Luca Giordano, a young Neapolitan artist on the cusp of Baroque mastery, we witness a pivotal biblical moment from the Gospel of John (8:1-11). At the center, Christ kneels humbly, his finger tracing words on the pavement—traditionally interpreted as a challenge to the accusers: "Let he who is without sin cast first stone." To the right, three soldiers stand over a woman taken in adultery, their postures tense with judgment, embodying the drama of mercy triumphing over condemnation. Giordano's composition masterfully balances intimacy and tension, drawing viewe...
About the Artist
Luca Giordano · 1634–1705
Luca Giordano (1634–1705) was an Italian painter of the late Baroque period who was one of the most prolific and versatile artists of the seventeenth century, earning the nickname "Luca fa presto" ("Luca works fast") for his extraordinary speed of execution. Born in Naples, he studied under José de Ribera and traveled extensively in Italy, absorbing influences from the Venetian colorists, Pietro d...