Scientific investigation of The Conversion of St Paul painting (Mdina, Malta)

Abstract

The paper presents the results of two different approaches applied to the newly-restored painting The Conversion of St Paul, the main altarpiece in the Cathedral of Mdina in Malta. This large, dramatic painting is work of the Baroque artist Mattia Preti, il Cavaliere Calabrese. As is normal with a professionally executed restoration, several scientific methods have been used before, during and at completion, in the framework of a global analytical strategy. In particular, we focus on the results of the digital photogrammetric survey which uses image-based approaches for 2D/3D models reconstruction enormously. The model was used to quantify and measure important features on the painting as well extensions of areas restored. In addition, portable Raman spectroscopy was used to identify, in non-destructive way, the nature of the painting materials with the final goal of reconstructing the color palette of the artist.