The shipwreck of St. Paul was painted in 1678, by Stefano Erardi. Living in the Counter-Reformation, Erardi managed to succeed and obey the laws of the church in painting such a wonderful and theatrical scene. He painted very realistic figures with very convincing emotions which made this altarpiece more believable. It has been documented that Stefano Erardi (1630-1716), was living in Rabat together with his family while he was creating this titular altarpiece. Erardi began as a mannerist but then developed his style into late Baroque classicism, in which “The Shipwreck of St. Paul” is painted. Erardi had an artistic background, his father Sebastiano, who encouraged and influenced him to become an artist. He was one of the best Maltese painters of his time. He completed a fair number of commissions during his lifetime. Stefano Erardi copied the works of other artists such as; Guido Reni, Rubens, Carracci and Federico Barocci and then apply the composition according to its theme. This may have helped him work faster. Another reason why he used such procedure in constructing his compositions could be due to the lack of creativity. When creating original works, he based his compositions on a symmetrical arrangement. Erardi was a master of colour, his ability to create such a colorful palette set him apart from other artists. The titular altarpiece of “Saint Paul Shipwrecked” was commissioned by a noblewoman from Rabat; 'Guzmana Novarra'¹. The subject of the painting is when Saint Paul together with 276 people as well as the centurion and soldiers were on their way to Rome, as if Saint Paul was persecuted, since he was a Christian (2). On the fourteenth night of their journey they noticed that... in the center of the sheet... to the right of Saint Paul there is a soldier. Erardi painted the ship on the back of the painting exactly where Aleccio had painted it. The soldier in both paintings is placed as the second figure to the right of Saint Paul. It is true that Stefano Erardi copied Aleccio's painting but he managed to surpass its results by creating a very detailed, harmonious and much more realistic scene than Aleccio's. Erardi's palette is much more balanced and creative. In the bottom left corner, Erardi signed “Stefanus Herardi Melitensis pingebat 1678”, which means ; Stefano Eradi painted in 1678. It is an extraordinary and wonderful painting that fits its period perfectly; the Baroque style, whereby art was understood as teaching the Bible to Christians. Stefano Erardi was a very good artist and created a floor for his son; Alessio Erardi, for continuing such a wonderful artistic talent.