• The Mdina Metropolitan Chapter is launching a book in two languages (English and Italian) about the history and restoration of the magnificent set of the 15 silver statues of the Apostolato of the Conventual Church of St John in Valletta. The book launch will be held this Thursday, 24th January 2019 at St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina at 7pm.

      The collection of the 15 silver statues, also known as ‘the apostolato’, dates back from 1741 and 1743, and can be found within the first hall of the Mdina Museum. The statues, showing the apostles, John the Baptist, St Paul and Our Lady, were commissioned by the Order of St John to embellish the main altar of their main church during the titular feast.

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  • In 1798, the French administration was about to take them for melting but the Cathedral Chapter redeemed them twice, giving them in return many other works in silver from Mdina, much more than the weight of the statues.

    During the same event, the Metropolitan Chapter will inaugurate the restored main altarpiece depicting The Conversion of St Paul, painted by Mattia Preti in the 1680s. The painting has been restored by the firm Sante Guido and Giuseppe Mantella. Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna will preside both events.

    More information can be requested on [email protected]

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