Mattia Preti - Kneeling Woman, 16th century

Mattia Preti, also known as Il Cavalier Calabrese (The Calabrian Knight), was an Italian Baroque artist, born on 24 February 1613 in Taverna, Calabria, Italy, and died on 3 January 1699 in Valletta, Malta. He was renowned for his mastery of painting, particularly in the Baroque style, and was also active as an architect. Preti first trained in the workshop of the Carracci family in Bologna, Italy, where he absorbed the principles of the Baroque style. He later moved to Rome, where he was influenced by the works of Caravaggio and his followers, adopting a dramatic chiaroscuro style characterised by strong contrasts between light and dark. Preti's works often depicted religious and mythological themes, and he became known for his skilful use of light and shadow to create dramatic effects. He was also highly regarded for his talent in depicting movement and emotion in his paintings. In addition to his artistic endeavours, Preti was involved in various architectural projects, particularly in his later years in Malta, where he spent a significant part of his career. He was instrumental in shaping the island's Baroque architecture, leaving a lasting legacy.