An analytical investigation into two of Antonello da Messina’s nephews’ workshop practices : insights into Antonio de Saliba and Salvo d’Antonio’s paintings on Malta

Abstract

This paper analyses the results of scientific investigations as well as what emerged following the eventual conservation and restoration of several Renaissance panels that formed part of four different altarpieces for various churches on Malta. The investigations were carried out at laboratories in Malta beginning in 2010 and are still ongoing. While two of these altarpieces are documented as being commissioned from two of Antonello da Messina’s nephews – Antonio de Saliba and Salvo d’Antonio – the two others are not documented. The study brings to the fore an analysis of the two artists’ workshop methods, one of whom had also worked with Giovanni Bellini in Venice.