1613 -1699 · Calabria, Rome, Naples and Malta

Monumental figures, theatrical chiaroscuro and fiery color make Mattia Preti one of the great masters of Mediterranean Baroque.

Mattia Preti was born in Taverna, Calabria, in 1613 and died in Valletta in 1699. Nicknamed the Horseman Calabrese after his entry into the Order of Malta, he had an exceptionally long career between Rome, Modena, Naples and Malta. The Prado recalls that he joined his brother Gregorio in Rome in the early 1630s, discovered Caravaggesques and genre painting, but also studied Domenichino, Lanfranco and the colorful traditions of northern Italy. In Naples, where he returned in 1656 at the time of the great plague, Preti became one of the protagonists of the baroque scene. In Naples, where he returned in 1656 at the time of the great plague, Preti became one of the protagonists of the baroque scene. Installed in Malta from 1661, he created immense sets for the Saint-Jean co-cathedral and continued to ship works towards Italy. His characters occupy the space with sculptural power; a sharp light reveals the faces, while red, ocher and blue give the drama a Mediterranean warmth. The Adoration of the Magi brings together crowds, fabrics and offerings around the Child. The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew builds martyrdom through diagonals and physical efforts. Ecce Homo concentrates the Passion on the face and bonds of Christ, while the Self-portrait affirms the status of the knightly painter. Prolific, Preti adapts his language to the altar canvas, the ceiling, the great story and the portrait without losing its monumental energy. The "Mattia Preti" selection puts particularly with regard to The Adoration of the Magi and The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew. Its reading favors details.

Mattia Preti gives the Baroque the strength of architecture: the bodies carry the stage, the light opens the drama and the color draws the eye.