From Qawra to sacred walls! Meet the Sicilian artist who turned Malta’s shoreline into divine inspiration
How a masterpiece began with a moment of silence by the sea in Qawra.
It’s not every day that Malta’s rocky coastline becomes the birthplace of a sacred masterpiece – but that’s exactly what happened for Sicilian artist Edoardo La Francesca.
Now based in Malta, Edoardo recently revealed that one of his latest works, ‘The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River’, was not just painted for a church in Sicily – it was envisioned right here on the island.
The large-scale oil painting, which measures 260x160cm, was commissioned for the Church of San Joseph in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily. But for Edoardo, this project became something far more personal than a simple commission.
‘My “Baptism of Christ” began on the shores of Malta. Qawra became my Jordan. The silence, the rocks, the sea… That’s where the vision came to life,’ he shared on social media. ‘It began as a commission, but quickly became something deeper. A personal vision. From Malta’s coast… to sacred walls.’
The artist also shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the painting’s creation, alongside other powerful, faith-inspired artworks that fill his portfolio. His style leans into spiritual symbolism, often depicting religious figures and biblical moments with an ethereal touch.
Can you guess exactly which spot of Qawra’s coastline inspired Eduardo’s painting?