The Martyrdom of St Catherine of Alexandria

Artist Mattia Preti Italian, 1613 - 1699

DateLate 1650s - early 1660s

Period17th century

Classification(s)

Art / Paintings

Object TypePainting

Registration NumberFAS/P/219

DescriptionThere is the possibility that this painting of the 'Martyrdom of St Catherine of Alexandria' may be identified as Mattia Preti's presentation piece preceding his first visit to Malta in the summer of 1659. He wanted to impress by donating to the Langue of Italy a superb representation of its patron saint. A painting of the saint is recorded being presented by Preti in June 1659 to be displayed in the Auberge d'Italie, the building where MUŻA is housed. This painting was a testament to Preti's bravura, and may have been one of the reasons why he was asked to stay in Malta to paint the ceiling of St John's Co-Cathedral when he permanently settled in Malta in 1661. Apart from the subject and possible origin, this painting is also remarkable for the 'pentimenti' that are visible almost to the naked eye. The painting was originally conceived as a 'Martyrdom of St Paul' and was reworked by Preti so that the figure of St Catherine was painted over that of the male saint, while other signs of Preti’s evolving ideas are visible in the changes he made to the crowd.Material

Oil on canvas

Technique

Painting

DimensionsFramed: 262 x 287 cm Unframed: 234 x 258 cmProvenanceFormerly in the collection of the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta.

Alternate ID Numbers