VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Three Maltese artworks are being exhibited together abroad for the first time at the Gallerie d’Italia in Naples, highlighting a significant artistic collaboration between Malta and Italy.
The works form part of Un altro seicento: L’arte delle donne nel Viceregno (An alternative 17th century: Women’s art in the Viceroyalty), an international exhibition re-examining Baroque art through the contribution of women artists.
At the centre of the Maltese contribution is a rarely displayed painting by Maria de Dominici, on loan from the Parish Church of the Assumption in Attard through the Archdiocese of Malta. The painting, depicting the Virgin Mary with plague saints Roch and Nicholas of Bari, is shown alongside two related works by Mattia Preti, de Dominici’s presumed mentor.
The display was conceived by Prof. Keith Sciberras of the University of Malta, who said it highlights the artistic dialogue between the Maltese artist and Preti, underscoring cultural and artistic links between Malta and Italy in the 17th century.
De Dominici (1645–1703), believed to have studied under Preti before establishing her own studio in Rome, is recognised as Malta’s earliest known woman painter. Her inclusion places Maltese art within a broader Mediterranean context.
Ahead of the exhibition, the Attard painting was restored by Maltese conservators ReCoop, with support from the Gallerie d’Italia. The conservation revealed original colours, earlier restorations and adjustments made by the artist herself.
The Archdiocese of Malta oversaw the loan, with senior collections officer Dr Matthias Ebejer noting that such international collaborations strengthen institutional ties and bring Malta’s cultural heritage to wider audiences.
The exhibition runs until 22 March 2026.
– photo Archdiocese of Malta –
(ITALPRESS).
