An important work in the MNAA’s collection of European paintings, The Ecstasy of St. Francis, by Luca Giordano (1634-1705), came from the collections gathered in exile by Charles IV and was purchased in 1848 for the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the auction of the assets of Queen Carlota Joaquina, wife of Portuguese King João VI and daughter of the King of Spain and Naples.
During his time, Luca Giordano was one of the most appreciated Baroque painters from Naples and his work has been revalued through a series of major exhibitions.