Lionello Spada's painting

Evarist Saliba (The Sunday Times, September 30) mentioned that he acquired a Lionello Spada painting on behalf of Government ten years ago. There is a constant tradition that the altar-piece representing St Augustine washing the feet of the Lord...

Evarist Saliba (The Sunday Times, September 30) mentioned that he acquired a Lionello Spada painting on behalf of Government ten years ago.

There is a constant tradition that the altar-piece representing St Augustine washing the feet of the Lord belonged to Lionello Spada. This altar-piece is in the sacristy of St Augustine's, Valletta. It is a pity that is so high up and cannot be admired properly.

This painting was the altar-piece of a side-altar in the former Augustinian church of Valletta built by Girolamo Cassar, and in the present one built by Giuseppe Bonnici - Anton Cachia. This painting was replaced when Francesco Fabri made the stone statue which is in the apse. This statue is a copy of the original white marble one by Giacchino Verlè which is in the staircase of the former Augustinian monastery in Campo Marzio, Rome.

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