Mattia Preti Collection
Mattia Preti, an Italian artist born in 1613, was a master of his craft. His works spanned various mediums and subjects, showcasing his versatility and skill
For sale as Licensed Images
Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media
Mattia Preti, an Italian artist born in 1613, was a master of his craft. His works spanned various mediums and subjects, showcasing his versatility and skill. One of his notable pieces is "Pilate Washing His Hands, " painted in 1663. This captivating artwork depicts the biblical scene where Pontius Pilate attempts to absolve himself of guilt in the crucifixion of Jesus. Another remarkable creation by Preti is the fresco series titled "Erection of the Cross. " Painted between 1650-51, these episodes from the life of St. Andrew showcase Preti's ability to capture dramatic moments with intricate details and vibrant colors. Similarly, his frescoes depicting the Crucifixion of Saint Andrew demonstrate his mastery in storytelling through art. In addition to religious themes, it also excelled at portraiture. One example is his portrait of Martin de Redin, a Grand Master of the Knights of Malta dating back to around 1660. Through this painting, Preti showcases not only de Redin's physical features but also captures his character and authority. Preti's talent extended beyond paintings as he left an indelible mark on architecture too. The vault fresco he created for Cathedrale Saint John in Valletta exemplifies this aspect beautifully. The intricately designed ceiling adds grandeur to the cathedral while paying homage to religious iconography. Amongst Preti's diverse body of work are narrative scenes like "Sophonisba receiving the Cup Poison" (c. 1640) and "The Triumph Love. " These oil paintings display both emotional depth and technical brilliance that define Preti as a true master artist. Religious figures were another subject matter that fascinated Mattia Preti throughout his career. In artworks such as "Christ on a balcony surrounded by guards, " he portrays Christ's final moments before crucifixion with great intensity while emphasizing the contrasting emotions of those present.