Events planned to mark Caravaggio's arrival

A series of activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Caravaggio's arrival in the Maltese Islands are being organised by Heritage Malta.

An official logo depicting Caravaggio's portrait and enclosed within a palette has been launched to complement these activities.

Sergio Benedetti, chief curator at Ireland's National Gallery, will give a talk entitled The Age of Caravaggio at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Valletta tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Admission is free but interested individuals are requested to collect an admission ticket from Heritage Malta's head office or from the National Museum of Fine Arts in Valletta.

A series of exhibitions will also be set up, including the re-hanging of the painting Judith and Holofernes by Valentin de Boulogne, which is undergoing conservation by the agency's conservation division.

In September, a special heritage trail focusing on Caravaggio's works and stay on the island will be held.

Other exhibitions by painters who are referred to as Caravaggisti will be organised next year and Heritage Malta is currently discussing other possible events that can be held to commemorate this important anniversary.