A rare, three-quarter portrait, of his Eminence Fabrizio Sceberras Testaferrata (1757-1843), before his ordination in 1816

ARTIST

Unknown, Maltese School?

ABOUT

The sitter, Fabrizio Sceberras Testaferrata, the first Maltese cardinal in history, was the second son of the Nobles Pasquale Sceberras Testaferrata, Baron of Cicciano, Capitano di Verga and Cavaliere di Devozione of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, and Lucrezia Maria, daughter of the Noble Pietro Paolo Dorell and of Ursola dei Baroni d’ Amico Inguanez.

Like all others in the tradition of Catholic studio portraits, this artwork shows the sitter in an indoor intimate setting, framed by lush drapery and elevated by a large, red-velvet upholstered throne chair. The sitter's robes and biretta (on his knee) denote his priestly rank within the Church. A bell and two books, typical paraphernalia, can be seen to the right.  

What is particularly surprising and charming about this artwork is the honesty through which the unknown artist has captured Fabrizio. The work is not only devoid of any propaganda and pomp but depicts Fabrizio as a calm, focused, honest, secure and humble man, despite his family connections, his academic excellence, his relationship with Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesh and extensive travels across Europe.

Aside from this, Fabrizio earned countless titles within the Church, in Europe and Turkey. He participated in 3 conclaves, funded the opening of two new orphanages, was captured by Napoleonic troops and survived, he  commissioned the building of the Chapel of the Madonna della Speranza in Senegallia and lived to the age of 86...need we say more?

Whilst this is the only known artwork of Fabrizio as a priest, there are two more paintings of him as a Cardinal in Palazzetto Baviera (Ancona, Italy) and the Mdina Cathedral Chapter.

MEDIUM

Oil on canvas

DIMENSIONS

130 cm x 103 cm

CONDITION

Good overall condition. Framed in a beautifully painted mock-tortoiseshell style. 

PROVENANCE

From a very important local collection