The History Behind the Painting St.Paul’s Shipwreck

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St.Paul’s Shipwreck was done in 1678 , by Stefano Erardi. Living in the Counter Reformation, Erardi managed to succeed and obey the church’s laws in painting such a wonderful, theatrical scene. He painted very realistic figures with very convincing emotions which made this altarpiece more believable.

It has been documented that Stefano Erardi (1630-1716), used to live in Rabat together with his family while he was doing this titular altarpiece. Erardi began as a Mannerist but then he developed his style into late Baroque Classicism , in which “St.Paul’s Shipwreck” is painted. Erardi had an artistic background, his father , Sebastiano, whom encouraged and influenced him in becoming an artist. He was one of the best Maltese painters during his time . He did a decent amount of commissions during his lifetime.

Stefano Erardi used to copy other artist’s works such as ; Guido Reni’s, Reubens’ , Carracci’s and Frederico Barocci’s and then apply the composition according to his theme. This may have helped him work faster. Another reason why he used such procedure in constructing his compositions, may be due a lack of creativity. When he did original works , he based his compositions in a symmetrical arrangement. Erardi was a master when it came to colours, his ability to create such a colourful palette distinguished him from other artists.

The titular altarpiece of “St.Paul Shipwrecked”, was commissioned by a very noble woman from Rabat; 'Guzmana Novarra’¹. The subject matter of the painting is when St.Paul together with 276 people in addition with the centurion and the soldiers were on their way to Rome, as for St.Paul to be persecuted ,since he was a Christian (2). On the 14th night of their journey they realized th...

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... to the right of St.Paul is a soldier. Erardi painted the ship at the back of the painting exactly where Aleccio painted it. The soldier in both of the paintings is placed the 2nd figure to St.Paul’s right. It is true that Stefano Erardi has copied Aleccio’s painting but he managed to overcome its results as he did a very detailed, harmonious and much more realistic scene than Aleccio’s. Erardi’s palette is much more balanced and creative.

On the bottom left hand corner, Erardi signed “Stefanus Herardi Melitensis pingebat 1678”, meaning ; Stefano Eradi painted in 1678. It is an extraordinary marvelous painting which fits perfectly in its period; the Baroque style, by which art was meant as to teach the Bible to the Christians. Stefano Erardi was a very excellent artist and has led a pavement for his son; Alessio Erardi ,to continue such a wonderful artistic talent.

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