Ecclesiastical architecture in Gozo (1810-1910) : the works of Can. Salvatore Bondì (1790-1859) and Don Giuseppe Diacono (1847-1924)

Abstract

In compiling this study I have taken care to contextualize the works within the period in which they were produced. This first chapter provides a detailed overview of the island’s situation prevailing at the time under study. The main topics that are discussed are the impact of British colonial rule over the islands, focusing on Gozo. Another important event that is featured is the attainment of a separate diocese for Gozo in 1864, and how it affected the island. Corresponding to the establishment of the diocese was the setting up of a Seminary on Gozo. This considerably raised the level of education on the island. A sub-section deals with the rural divisions of the island and their demographic aspects, which in turn resulted in the formation of new parishes and villages. Another subsection evaluates the socio-economic climate prevailing in Gozo during the relative period and the dire conditions in which the inhabitants lived. In many ways Chapter One forms the basis of the subsequent chapters as the entire artistic discussion of the period is to be understood within the chapter’s contextual parameters. In addition, Appendix I is an important tool as it contains tables showing figures related to demographic statistics, daily wages, different occupations, and a money and land measure conversion list. Chapter Two and Chapter Three deal with the artistic achievements of Can. Salvatore Bondì and Don Giuseppe Diacono respectively. The first paragraphs of either chapter chart the family origins and social-academic background of the two protagonists. The architectural corpus of each of the two clerical architects/designers is identified and critically analysed. Sources of inspiration are singled out together with the styles that impacted on each architectural work. Artistic idiosyncrasies and eclecticisms are also evaluated. Documents, which up to now have never been published, were sourced from a number of archives. These helped in the identification of other architectural works that before this study had not yet been attributed to either of the two priests. During the time under study there were hardly any laws regulating the architectural profession. Within the industry there existed a small group of persons who described themselves as periti agrimensori. These performed more the role of land surveyors than anything else. In addition, there were a number of stonemasons who provided all the craftsmanship needed in the field. The master masons’ involvement was considerable and is crucial in understanding how the churches were completed. In this regard Chapter Four affords an overview of the architectural environment and working practices that existed in the period under examination. The contribution of the periti agrimensori is evaluated within this context, as well as the architectural styles that existed prior to 1800 and whether the introduction of new styles in nineteenth century Malta had any effect in Gozo. Chapter Four also discusses the contribution of Can. Bondì and Don Diacono to the development of ecclesiastical architecture in Gozo. Patronage is important for the creation of all forms of art. Chapter Five explores the mechanics of patronage that were in place at the time so that architectural works could be realised. Each of the architectural works under study has its own story of its patronage to tell. Persons involved ranged from politicians, ecclesiastical prelates and members of the Gozitan middle and upper classes. Still, the vast contribution of ordinary people cannot be underestimated. The aim of all patrons was always the same: the church they wanted constructed was to be a manifestation of their deep-rooted religious beliefs, as well as to serve the whole community. The study investigates how permits were applied for and finally obtained, and the difficulties that were encountered during the building of each edifice. In this sense Chapter One again brings everything into perspective for the reader to appreciate how a small community inhabiting such a miniscule island succeeded to build such imposing churches. The dissertation also compiles a catalogue of the works of Can. Salvatore Bondì and Don Giuseppe Diacono. Besides furnishing historical and background information, every entry critically evaluates each of their architectural works basing the analysis on stylistic influences, comparative works, adherence to original plans, interference from patrons or master masons, and eclectic idiosyncrasies manifested in the finished works. It should be emphasised that the catalogue is complementary to Chapter Two and Chapter Three respectively. In this sense, the investigative analyses of the architectural works in Chapters Two and Three and their corresponding entry in the Catalogue were written with the aim so as to form a holistic understanding of each work. As such it is suggested that the works in both chapters and their respective catalogue entries are to be read concurrently. The study of nineteenth century ecclesiastical architecture in Gozo has largely been ignored. Probably it was thought that no architectural works of any significance had ever been produced in Gozo; an island which during the period under study was in social and political terms on the extreme periphery of its larger sister island and hence away from the centre of artistic creativity. The only material that has been published on this period relates to brief historical commentaries in festa periodicals. As such many of these articles lack any artistic and aesthetic analyses of the buildings and are more of a laudatory nature. Besides, many writings are fraught by misconceptions both regarding the works and the personalities that produced them. On the other hand, a few of these works have received only brief mentions in academic publications. To date, there is no publication that examines and catalogues the architectural achievements of Can. Salvatore Bondì and Don Giuseppe Diacono. Contrastingly, the philanthropic activities of Don Giuseppe Diacono have been thoroughly researched and published.