Amalfi Cross Collection

Scenes from the Legend of Saint Cordula: the apparition before the Knight of St. John... c
Scenes from the Legend of Saint Cordula: the apparition before the Knight of St. John Ingenbrant, c. 1490-1499. Private Collection

The Maltese crown of Tsar Paul I. From the Antiquities of the Russian State, 1849-1853. Private Collection

Allegory of the nobility of the order of Malta, 1747. Creator: De Mura, Francesco (1696-1782)
Allegory of the nobility of the order of Malta, 1747. Found in the Collection of MUZA, Muzew Nazzjonali tal-Arti, Valletta, (Heritage Malta)

Knight of Malta, 1510-1515. Found in the Collection of Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

Portrait of Fra Antonio Martelli (Knight of Malta), 1608. Found in the collection of Palazzo Pitti, Florence

Initiation of Paul I into a Grand Master of the Maltese Order. Found in the Collection of State Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Emperor Paul I dressed as Grand Master of Maltese. Found in the Collection of State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg

The siege of Malta. Detail. Artist: Perez d Aleccio (da Lecce), Matteo (1547-1616)
The siege of Malta. Detail. Found in the collection of the Palace of the Grand Master, Valletta

The Priory Palace in Gatchina, before 1817. Artist: Martynov, Andrei Yefimovich (1768-1826)
The Priory Palace in Gatchina, before 1817. Found in the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

Alof de Wignacourt (1547-1622), Grand Master of the Order of Malta. Artist: Caravaggio, Michelangelo (1571-1610)
Alof de Wignacourt (1547-1622), Grand Master of the Order of Malta. Found in the collection of Louvre, Paris

Portrait of baron Alexei Vasilyev, 1800. Artist: Borovikovsky, Vladimir Lukich (1757-1825)
Portrait of baron Alexei Vasilyev, 1800. Found in the collection of the State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg

A Knight of Saint John, ca 1530. Artist: Caravaggio, Polidoro da (ca 1499-1543)
A Knight of Saint John, ca 1530. Found in the collection of the National Gallery, London

Portrait of a Knight of Rhodes, 1514. Artist: Franciabigio (1482-1525)
Portrait of a Knight of Rhodes, 1514. Found in the collection of the National Gallery, London

The Villa Malta, Rome, 1860s. Artist: Leighton, Frederic, 1st Baron Leighton (1830-1896)
The Villa Malta, Rome, 1860s. Found in the collection of the National Gallery, London

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The Amalfi Cross: A Symbol of Nobility and Chivalry Throughout history, the Amalfi Cross has been a powerful emblem representing the noble order of Malta. Its origins can be traced back to Tsar Paul I, who adorned himself with the Maltese crown as a mark of his regal stature. This exquisite piece was immortalized in the Antiquities of the Russian State, showcasing its intricate beauty. In an allegorical masterpiece by Francesco De Mura, we witness how this cross symbolizes the nobility of the Order of Malta. It stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to honor and chivalry. The portrait of Fra Antonio Martelli further exemplifies this dedication, capturing his proud display as a Knight of Malta. One cannot overlook the initiation ceremony that transformed Paul I into a Grand Master of this esteemed order. Dressed in magnificent attire reminiscent of Maltese grandeur, Emperor Paul I embraced his new role with grace and dignity. The significance of this cross extends beyond ceremonial occasions; it also represents valor on battlegrounds. During the siege of Malta, Matteo Perez d'Aleccio's detailed artwork depicts knights fighting valiantly under its protective shadow – defending their sacred land against invaders. Within Gatchina's Priory Palace lies another testament to Maltese influence. The palace stood proudly before 1817, serving as a reminder that even within imperial Russia, respect for this noble order prevailed. Renowned artists like Caravaggio and Franciabigio have captured various knights throughout history wearing this iconic cross. Their portraits immortalize individuals such as Alof de Wignacourt and baron Alexei Vasilyev – both distinguished members who embodied honor and loyalty. As we delve into these historical depictions, it becomes clear that each stroke portrays not just an image but also an embodiment - an embodiment rooted in principles upheld by Knights of Malta.