We thank Professor Riccardo Lattuada for confirming this attribution after having viewed the work live.
Luca Giordano dealt with the mythological theme of the rape of Deianira several times; in particular, there are two other similar versions of this composition, one in the Uffizi and one listed in the Zeri Photo Library (file no. 54870), both of a much smaller format.
The painting offered in the lot stands out for its greater grandeur and airiness: in the large landscape background the bodies of the protagonists occupy the space in an explosive way; that of the centaur, a clear reference to the Belvedere Torso, expresses the effort and muscular tension of the action, while Deianira's nude appears to us in all its sensuality. The color is applied with quick and fluid brushstrokes, the palette is played on warm, brown and pink tones, with material touches, in the typical technique of the Neapolitan master.





>