Mattia Preti, an Italian Baroque artist, was born on February 24, 1613, in Taverna, Calabria. He is known for his exquisite works of art that adorned the walls of various churches and cathedrals in Italy and Malta. Mattia Preti was also a member of the Order of Saint John, which earned him the title "Il Cavalier Calabrese" (the Calabrian Knight).

Early Life and Training

Mattia Preti's early apprenticeship was with Giovanni Battista Caracciolo, a "Caravaggist" painter. This training had a significant impact on his style, which is evident in his works. Before 1630, Preti joined his brother Gregorio Preti in Rome, where he became familiar with the techniques of Caravaggio and other prominent artists of that time.

Notable Works and Commissions

Some of Mattia Preti's notable works include fresco cycles in the churches of Sant'Andrea della Valle and San Carlo ai Catinari. He also painted frescoes for the church of San Biagio at Modena. In Naples, he was influenced by another prominent painter, Luca Giordano. One of his masterpieces is a series of large frescoes depicting the Virgin or saints delivering people from the plague. Key aspects of Mattia Preti's style:

• Use of dramatic contrasts of light and shadow
• Intense emotional expression
• Dynamic compositions

Legacy and Later Life

Mattia Preti spent most of his life in Malta, where he transformed the interior of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta with a huge series of paintings on the life and martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. His increased reputation led to an expanded circle of patrons, and he received commissions from all over Europe. To explore more of Mattia Preti's works, visit WahooArt's collection of Mattia Preti's paintings. For a deeper understanding of his style and period, refer to Wikipedia's article on Mattia Preti. Some of his notable works can also be found in the Capodimonte Museum in Naples.