Highlights of the month

The Entry of St Peter Celestine into Aquila

Author
Copy after Mattia Preti (Italian, 1613-1699)
Date
c. 1659
Material
Pencil, sanguine and wash on paper
Size
43.4 x 56.4 cm
Location
Study Collection – Prints and Drawings
St Peter Celestine (Pope, c.1221-1296 A. D.) is shown proceeding to the cathedral of Aquila, to be ordained bishop of Rome, being accompanied by two kings, and a number of princes and others. He could not be prevailed upon to travel any other way than riding on an ass; he even thought it a great deal that he did not go on foot, as he desired to do. He was consecrated and crowned at Aquila on the 29th of August 1294, taking the name of Celestine V. Charles, king of Naples, is shown in front of him walking after a cross. This is a drawing after Mattia Preti's first painting from the entrance on the ceiling of the nave in San Pietro a Majella in Naples. Photograph courtesy of the Malta Study Center at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, MUŻA, and Heritage Malta