Jan. 2 – Giovanni Battista Caracciolo, aka Battistello, was one of the greatest Italian painters of the early seventeenth century. He was a faithful follower of Caravaggio in Naples, Michelangelo Merisi’s first superfan in Campania. Battistello will be the focus of an event held in Malta by the Italian Cultural Institute in Valletta on January 29 (at 6.30pm). The restoration of the painting “Il Paradiso” by Battistello provides the opportunity to reflect on Caravaggio’s art and Tommaso Campanella’s philosophy, at the basis of the creation of the large canvas. Caravaggio’s presence in Naples and Malta shook the city’s cultural life. His style was totally new, made of light and shadow. Speakers at the conference include Jean-Paul De Lucca, Sante Guido, and Giuseppe Mantella. (red)
