The Caravaggio exhibition depicting the divine element of the artist’s works will run between Sunday and 30 November, with the paintings being flown to Malta from major collections and galleries around Europe and the United States.

The spectacular exhibition, being held to mark the Italian painter’s 400th anniversary since he came to Malta, is being supported by HSBC Cares for Malta’s Heritage Fund (HCMHF).

HSBC CEO Shaun Wallis yesterday presented Lm25,000 (EUR58,234) to Heritage Malta chairman Mario Tabone, stating: “HSBC set up the HSBC Cares For Malta’s Heritage Fund to support worthwhile initiatives that, among others, lead to greater cultural appreciation of what Malta has to offer, not only locally but internationally as well. This eagerly awaited exhibition, entitled Caravaggio: l’Immagine del Divino, is a major cultural event that increasingly will put Malta and its heritage in the international limelight.”

The masterpieces include Sacrifice of Isaac and St Francis in Ecstasy both from the Piasecka-Johnson Collection, Princeton, New Jersey; St John the Baptist and St Francis in Meditation both from Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica in Rome; Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy from a private collection in Rome; St Francis from Museo Civico di Cremona; another Sacrifice of Isaac, this time from a private collection in Rome; Decapitation of San Gennaro from Palestrina in Rome; Adoration of the Shepherds from Museo Regionale of Messina; and Ecstasy of St Francis from Museo Civico di Udine. Apart from the original works there will be other works attributed to Caravaggio by researchers.

“Art aficionados, students, and the public will have a unique opportunity to experience Caravaggio’s enigmatic life and personality through these masterpieces that will be brought together under one roof. We believe that this memorable event will lead more Maltese, visitors and foreigners to embark on a voyage of research and discovery about the great treasures Malta has to offer,” said Mr Wallis.