An art historical study and condition assessment of five paintings in the sacristy at the Basilica of Saint Dominic and Porto Salvo in Valletta

Abstract

The primary aim of this dissertation is to analyse the largest five paintings present in the sacristy of the basilica of St Dominic and Porto Salvo in Valletta. This corpus is interesting as it forms an integral part of the church’s history but is now not readily accessible to the public. Notwithstanding this, I believe that each one of the works under discussion is, in different ways, important. The five paintings will therefore be discussed both in their rightful historical, as well as art historical context. Unfortunately, they hang in a deteriorated state. Their current state of preservation is hindering their potential of being studied and understood for their historical significance. Therefore, this art historical study, will be complemented by an analysis of their current state of preservation, while highlighting the importance of further safeguarding the paintings. With the contextual analysis and art historical considerations noted, the condition of the works is as important. The analysis and documentation of their condition is a fundamental step prior to any conservation work that may hopefully be carried out in the future. These paintings are not scheduled to be conserved anytime soon, therefore, emphasising their current state is a must. While the condition of some is far worse than others, they are all at risk of further deterioration if nothing is done to safeguard them. The location chosen for these paintings after being substituted as altar paintings was not ideal. They spent most of their years stored on the ground in front of a sunlit window. This, alongside other factors, such as humidity and poor handling, has caused these paintings to sustain varying degrees of unfortunate damage. Since my intention is to pursue my studies by reading for a Masters’ Degree in Painting Conservation, this dissertation has aided me to understand the research that goes behind each and every conservation work, not only from a conservation point of view, but also from an art historical one, which is the main focus of the BA (Honours) in History of Art dissertation. I must admit to having developed a particular connection with these paintings, from the moment I identified them as the subject of my study and given all we have been through together until this point. I strongly believe that these paintings deserve to be safeguarded and as biased as I might be, I believe that they are an important part of the history of art in Malta. It would be a true shame if they were left to further deteriorate, while we forever lose an integral part of our art historical background.