Philosophers were amongst Giordano’s favourite subjects in the early part of his career when he was strongly influenced by Ribera (q.v.). In its dense shadows and sharp lights, the picture is strongly caravaggesque, even though the influence has come via Ribera. The subject is a rare one, as artists preferred astronomers rather than astrologers, who were frowned on by Christian authorities. The curious symbols on the parchment have been interpreted as a chart for a horoscope. Philosophers in general were traditionally depicted as poor, probably because their profession was not expected to lead to financial gain. The astrologer, however, is depicted in the guise of a beggar, which is the only status a Christian society would have accorded him at the time. The bearded model is familiar from many other early works by Giordano.

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