Michelangelo Merisi di Caravaggio (1571 - 1609) is one of the most accomplished Baroque painters of naturalism. Caravaggio's personal life was turbulent. He was often arrested and imprisoned. He fled Rome for Naples in 1606 when charged with murder, and later that year he travelled to Malta where he executed one of his few portraits, that of his patron Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt (1608, Louvre). The magnificent altar piece of the Oratory at St. John's Conventual Church in Valletta, known as

The Beheading (of St. John), is Caravaggio's largest and only fully signed work. Some say it is one of the world's greatest paintings. Another important Caravaggio painting is that of St. Jerome. The Temple of the Knights published by Miranda Publishers is a commemoration of the great artistic achievement preserved today as the Co-Cathedral in Valletta and comments in detail on the interesting happenings accompanying the commissioning of the old master paintings such as the Caravaggio Paintings, priceless hangings and precious objects and haughty tombs

The Temple of the Knights is a commemoration of the great artistic achievement preserved today as the Co-Cathedral in

Valletta. The Conventual Church of St John is the finest testimony of the Order's aspirations and splendour at any time in its 900 year history. The narrative reveals the wonders of the place for all to relish and enjoy. From old master paintings to priceless hangings, from precious objects and haughty tombs, the author has extracted some of the most interesting happenings of former times for our perusal and fascination. In addition, the photography does unmitigated justice to Malta's most important treasure. The general magnificence and wondrous detail of the wealth and memorable quality of St John's is resplendent in this brilliantly illustrated book.

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