Mattia Preti (1613–1699) was an Italian Baroque artist born in Taverna, Calabria. He worked extensively in Italy, particularly Rome and Naples, and later in Malta. After his appointment as a Knight of the Order of St. John in 1660, he became known as Il Cavalier Calabrese. His work represents a significant phase of mature Italian Baroque painting.
Preti's oeuvre encompasses mythological scenes, altarpieces, and portraits, executed in a style deeply influenced by Caravaggism. He applied tenebrism to dramatic figural compositions, a characteristic of Neapolitan painting of the 17th century. Works such as Procession of the Grand Turk (c. 1648) and Portrait of a Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, Martin de Redin (c. 1660) exemplify his engagement with diverse subjects and his robust handling of form and light.
