Paladini’s paintings at the Old Floriana Capuchin church and friary

Abstract

The Capuchin presence in Malta dates back to the times of Grand Master Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle (1582–1595), who in 1588/15891 sponsored the building of the church and friary on the site called ‘Ta’ Dukkara’ at a distance of 400 canne from Valletta’s Porta Reale, in line with the norms of the old Capuchin Constitutions which recommended seclusion. This church and its friary are considered to be among the first buildings built on the site which later became known as Floriana or Borgo Vilhena. The architectural style of this small church was very simple, in keeping with the vow of poverty which was a main characteristic of the Capuchin Reform. Gradually, however, both church and friary were adorned with a number of artistic works, including four paintings executed by the famous Florentine artist Filippo Paladini (1544–1614).

The aim of this study is to elicit and examine in detail the historical information related to these four paintings. This will be done by comparing the information found in a manuscript at the National Library of Malta with other primary and secondary sources in order to enhance our knowledge regarding these paintings, their history, and their present whereabouts. This study will also illustrate that, despite the Capuchin Order’s attempt to live unobtrusively within its ideal of poverty, a number of art donations by the Grand Masters and other notable connoisseurs helped underline the Capuchin presence in the eyes of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities as well as among the local population.