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Caravaggio’s Legacy: Unveiling Artistry At St. John’s Co-Cathedral

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The Caravaggio Centre was inaugurated within St. John’s Co-Cathedral with a total investment of over €2.1 million, funded by European funds.

The aim of this Centre is for visitors to explore more of the life and art of the renowned artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, allowing them to delve deeper into his revolutionary techniques, the life he lived, and his timeless artistic heritage.

The Centre is meticulously curated and will provide rare opportunities to closely examine Caravaggio’s works, offering insights into the creative genius of this extraordinary artist. It will provide visitors with the opportunity for immersive and informative experiences during their visit, with an additional area offered as complimentary entry with the purchase of a ticket.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna said that the aim of the Caravaggio Centre goes beyond aesthetic value because besides showcasing the genius of the artist, this project is a way for art to pave the path of truth and reconciliation. It reflects on Caravaggio’s complex personality and emphasises the timeless relevance of his art in today’s world.

“In St. John’s Co-Cathedral, at the head of St. John the Baptist, we see the tragedy of when arrogance and abuse of power leave innocent victims. This painting by Caravaggio is a monument to the tragedy of humanity. In it, we see what is happening now in Ukraine, in the Holy Land, in Sudan, and in many other places around the world.” Archbishop Scicluna hoped that this project would lead visitors to desire positive change.

Minister for the Arts, Owen Bonnici highlighted how the masterpieces of this renowned artist and his innovative works continue to inspire numerous audiences around the world. He also explained that this is an educational and interactive centre filled with the finest information.

The provision of this additional area as complimentary entry with the same entrance ticket means that the beautiful experience one undergoes when visiting this architectural gem will be enhanced. He said that this inauguration is a gift not only to our country but to all of European art because Caravaggio’s works are an expression of the finest European creativity.

“This investment is the prime example of the work this Foundation is doing to enhance the experience of those who visit St. John’s. A project that is one of the many we are carrying out – which will continue from this Co-Cathedral, a place that makes us proud in the whole world.”, Foundation President Glenn Micallef said.

The Caravaggio Centre will be divided as follows: The first floor: ‘Face to Face’ is an area where visitors can learn everything about ‘The Beheading’. Natural size projections bring visitors face to face with all the important details of the painting, often overlooked due to the confines of the Oratory.

The ground floor, on the other hand, provides another space of attractions for other Caravaggio paintings – ‘St Jerome Writing’ as well as interactive displays that provide information related to the history of painting and focus on the educational aspect. On the same level ‘Meet Caravaggio’ is an audiovisual area that narrates the life, career, and artistic achievements of Caravaggio and his artistic production during his visit to Malta. In this area, visitors can enjoy informative visual projections.

The scientific section will provide the opportunity to understand the creative process of the artist, as well as the challenges faced by painting over the centuries thanks to the help of non invasive diagnostic techniques, such as Infrared Reflectography, UV light, and Infrared Reflectography.

During this Press Conference, the official completion of the work on the clock room, dating back to 1584, of St. John’s Co-Cathedral was officially announced, a work carried out by the Foundation’s workers. The public can closely follow how this clock, which dominates the facade of the Co-Cathedral as well as the Noon Bell, operates.

For more information, visit the website.

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