Incredulity of St Thomas

Mattia Preti (1613-1699), date ?
oil on canvas, dimensions ?

National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta

More than any other visiting artist, Mattia Preti changed the face of art in Malta with his masterpiece of Baroque decoration, the transformation of the interior of St John’s Co-cathedral that was executed between 1661 and 1666.

Preti lived in Malta until his death in 1699, and headed a busy workshop. He executed numerous religious paintings for both local and foreign patrons. Indeed, his works are housed in all principal churches in Malta and Gozo as well as in major international collections.

An expert draughtsman of the human figure, Preti is best appreciated for the pathos with which he imbues the personages in his paintings.

In this case, the figure of Christ is presented with a combined sense of profound divinity and humanity. The viewer is drawn to participate in the wonder of the moment through the probing finger of a crouching St Thomas.