Malta is marking the fourth birth centenary of one of the greatest artists of all times – Mattia Preti.

Bank of Valletta is sponsoring a luxury limited-edition publication by Midsea Books highlighting over 150 major Preti works. A total of 250 copies, each having a numbered certificate of authenticity, are bound in cloth and covered in a special slip case.

The book has 224 pages and more than 120 colour photos. Besides showing the masterpieces found in 19 churches, the book contains 360-degree photos of the interiors of churches and chapels housing the masterpieces: St John’s Co-Cathedral and six other churches in Valletta, and churches in Vittoriosa, Floriana, Lija, Luqa, Mdina, Rabat, Sliema, Żurrieq and Victoria.

Bank of Valletta continues to support a number of high-profile heritage-related restoration and embellishment projects. One particular project involved the restoration of the dome frescoes of St Catherine of Italy church in Valletta, ensuring Preti’s priceless work retains its beauty.

Preti came to Malta in 1659, most probably attracted to the island by the possibility of gaining the Knights’ patronage.

St John’s Co-Cathedral is a showcase of his masterpieces, from the intricately carved stone wall designs to the painted vaulted ceiling and side altars depicting scenes from the life of St John. Preti spent most of the remainder of his life in Malta.

Forever remembered as a great artist of the baroque movement, he died in 1699.

“Bank of Valletta’s commitment towards Malta’s history and heritage has made it possible for us to produce such a magnificent publication,” said Joseph Mizzi, director of Midsea House.

The publication can be found in leading bookshops in Malta and Gozo or can be purchased online from admin@midseabooks.com.