The return of Caravaggio’s masterpieces to Malta marked a powerful moment of cultural pride and artistic celebration. After undergoing meticulous restoration in Rome under the guidance of Professor Cesare Brandi, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Jerome Writing were finally ready to come home. The restoration process not only revived the paintings’ dramatic intensity and rich detail but also ensured their preservation for future generations.

Their journey back to Malta was treated with the utmost care and significance. Transported aboard a Royal Navy frigate, the paintings’ return symbolised their immense value, not only as works of art but as national treasures deeply tied to Maltese heritage. This remarkable homecoming captured public attention and stirred excitement across the islands.

Once in Valletta, the paintings were unveiled at the Auberge de Provence, where the Maltese public had the opportunity to witness these restored masterpieces up close.

Caravaggio’s works, long admired for their emotional depth and dramatic realism, regained their place in Malta’s cultural narrative, reminding all of the island’s rich historical and artistic legacy.

Have you ever witnessed Caravaggio’s paintings in person?