12 Of The Most Sublime Church Paintings You Can Find In Malta
As we were covering the most unique churches in Malta recently, we noticed that most of these churches also house amazing works of art. Today we’re going to look at the most beautiful paintings found in churches all over our islands.
Sadly, there’s so much to talk about that it was impossible for us to mention every single beautiful artwork in our churches, but here are the ones that really caught our eye.
1. The Beheading of St. John
St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta
Caravaggio spent some time residing in Malta due to his exile. While here, he did not sit by idling his days away. Instead, he got busy presenting our churches with some of the most beautiful works known to mankind. Thank you.
2. St. Publius’ Ceiling
St. Publius Parish Church, Floriana
The ceiling of Floriana’s parish church was done by none other than the acclaimed Belti artist Giuseppe Cali. Most churches in Malta are proud to house his ethereal works, it’s no wonder that he was known as Ix-Xitan tal-Pinzell.
3. Our Lady of Sorrows
St. Gaetan Parish Church, Ħamrun
This is the work of Pietro Gagliardi. It depicts the Madonna and Jesus beneath the cross. It was painted way back in 1880 and can still be viewed to this day at the Ħamrun Parish Church.
4. Madonna and Baby Jesus
Our Lady’s Sanctuary Mellieħa
Another masterpiece by Cali, this painting in Tal-Vitorja is a true work of art. It’s a pity that one cannot study the strokes up close, especially given how famous Cali was for his technique.
5. St. Dominic’s Dome
St. Dominic’s Basilica, Valletta
Cali clearly was not only just an amazing painter, but also really knew his way around geometry. This copula is admired by all who lay eyes on it, and given how grandiose it is, this comes as no surprise.
6. Nativity Scene
Lija Parish Church
Another Cali masterpiece, it’s a bit unfair maybe that we have so much of his work on this list, but can you blame us? Look at how heavenly everything he does is.
7. Madonna of Sorrows
Corpus Christi Parish Church
Maltese Artist Gianni Vella was the apprentice of Attilio Palombi. The Malta Society of Arts, Manufacture, and Commerce awarded him with a gold medal in recognition of his marvellous works of art.
8. St. Jerome Writing
St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta
Another of Caravaggio’s astounding creations housed in the Co-Cathedral of St. John. Two interpretations of this work exist in the world, and one of them is housed here on our island. The other one is found in the Galleria Borghese in Rome. But ours is better, promise.
9. The Death of St Philip of Agira
Church of St. Philip of Agira, Żebbuġ
The Żebbuġ parish church is full of exquisite artworks, among which is our favourite, The death of St. Philip of Agira. This was done by Francesco Zahra.
10. Basilica Ceiling
Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Nadur
Lazzaro Pisani is considered one of the most important Maltese artists of the 20th Century. He was born and bred in Żebbuġ, so we can totally understand why he made such a lovely showpiece on the ceiling of its parish church.
11. The Immaculate Conception with St. Paul
St. Georges Basilica, Victoria
St. George’s Basilica is a work of art by itself already. The altar alone leaves people in disbelief at the way it’s constructed, so it’s no wonder it houses such an amazing painting in it. This painting was done by Stefano Erardi in 1699.
12. Santa Venera’s altar painting
Old church of Sta. Venera, Santa Venera
Stefano Erardi and Filippino Dingli worked on this interpretation of Santa Venera which hangs over the altar in the beautiful old parish church. It dates way back to the 17th Century.
Have we missed out on any mesmerising paintings? Leave a picture for us below
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