Carlo Zimech facts for kids

Don Carlo Zimech (also known as Dun Karlu Zimech in Maltese) was a talented Maltese priest and painter. He lived a long time ago, from 1696 to 1766. He was known for creating beautiful religious paintings that can still be seen today in churches across Malta and Gozo.

Who Was Don Carlo Zimech?

Carlo Zimech was born in 1696 in a town called Żebbuġ on the main island of Malta. His family was quite well-off, meaning they had a good amount of money.

His Life as a Priest and Painter

As he grew up, Carlo Zimech became a priest. But he also had a special talent for painting. He spent his life creating many religious artworks.

Later in his life, he moved to Nadur on the island of Gozo. People think he might have moved there because he wasn't feeling well. He passed away in Nadur on June 22, 1766. He was buried in the local church there.

His Amazing Artworks

Carlo Zimech created many important paintings. You can find his art in different churches. Here are some of his famous works:

• The Annunciation: This painting is in the sacristy (a room where priests prepare) of the Balzan parish church.
• The Immaculate Conception (painted in 1738): This was once the main painting above the altar in the Cospicua parish church.
• Our Lady of the Holy Rosary: You can see this painting at the Parish Church of St George, Qormi.
• Several paintings at the Nadur parish church: These include another Immaculate Conception, The martyrdom of St Paul (from 1750), The martyrdom of St Peter (also from 1750), and The Four Evangelists.
• San Carlo: This painting is special because it's signed with his initials, DCZ. You can find it at the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Pietà.

Sometimes, people also say that Zimech painted The Nativity of Our Lady (from 1744). This painting is the main altarpiece in the Xagħra parish church. However, it's not completely certain if he painted it. The painting might have been moved to Xagħra from somewhere else in Malta, and Zimech might have just changed it a bit to fit its new home.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

It's easy to get Carlo Zimech confused with another person named Carlo Gimach. This is because their names sound very similar! However, Carlo Gimach was an architect and a poet, not a painter. He lived in places like Portugal and Rome during Zimech's lifetime. There is no proof that Gimach ever painted.

Remembering Carlo Zimech

To honor Don Carlo Zimech, there is a street named after him in Nadur, Gozo. It's called Triq Dun Karlu Zimech, which means Don Carlo Zimech Street. This helps people remember his contributions as a priest and a talented artist.