PAINTINGS AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS IN MALTA Nothwithstanding its small size Malta contains an appreciable artistic patrimony that is largely the result of its eventful history and cultural experience. The National Museum of Fine Arts is the repository of an impotant art collection that encompasses works by such well known painters as Guido Reni, Ribera, Le Valentin, Mattia Preti and many other reputable foreign and local masters. Here is, for the first time a publication that offers to the general public an evaluation of the entire picture collection of permanent display in what is one of Malta’s major museums. With a few exceptions, that warranted pairing, the paintings are seperately treated and discussed. All the paintings under review are illustrated and reproduced in colour. Every entry is headed by the name of the artist, dates and, where relevant, a short bibliographical note. Title of the ouvre, medium, measurements in centimetres, whether signed and dated, provenance and date of acquisition and exhibitions in which the work has featured are data that supplement descriptions and critical analyses. Pertinent bibliographical references conclude each single entry. A Foreword by the Hon. Minister of Education, an introduction and a historical overview of the National Museum of fine Arts as well as a comprehensive complete bibliography, list of all the works discussed and a general index complement the main body of this book. This publication is the fruit of painstaking research and study carried out by the author in the course of several years. It is a labour of love which, it is hoped, will contribute towards the better understanding of Malta’s cultural heirloom. 304 pages, 270 illustrations in color. ISBN 1 871684 404 .