Be the first to comment!Two Preti etchings issued to commemorate fourth centenary of his birth
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Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria, the Gozitan foundation for Victoria’s heritage, is issuing two new etchings by the young Gozitan Justin Falzon, which are featuring two masterpieces by Italian artist Mattia Preti found at St George’s Basilica.
A reminder that the official launching of these two etchings coincides with a special evening organised by the Gozo Culture Council to commemorate the fourth centenary of the birth of Mattia Preti, at St George’s Basilica, Victoria, this evening, Saturday, the 23rd of November at 8.00pm.
The evening includes messages byMark Sagona and Paul G. Pisani and the participation of the Laudate Pueri Choir.
The first is Saint George Victorious over the Dragon, commissioned in 1678 by the Governor of Gozo Fra Francesco de Corduba, and the second Our Lady and Souls in Purgatory, commissioned in 1688 by Giovanni Gourgion, secretary to Grandmaster Adrien de Wignacourt, in 1688. The artist included in the etchings the beautiful marble altars where the altarpieces are hung.
The etchings are the fourth and fifth in a series of etchings commissioned by Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria. The previous three etchings, by Italian artist Rosalia Ferreri, depicted the Gourgion Tower of Xewkija, the city of Victoria with its Gran Castello and the Ggantija Temples.
These etchings, featuring Gozitan monuments and landscapes, have been highly welcomed and now form part of the local Melitensia.
The new etchings, unique for the Maltese islands, are being issued in a limited number of 99 prints. These can be acquired at the reduced price of €65 each by either contacting Rev. Charles Cini (mob. 79492555) or the St George’s desk office (tel. 21556377) or directly from the museum Il-Hagar – Heart of Gozo (tel. 21557504).
