Paintings of St. George in Malta : a catalogue of works

Abstract

The scope of this dissertation is to compile an art historical catalogue of paintings of St George in Malta. This quest turned out to be a voyage of discovery affording knowledge of the saint's life, legends and myths through various artistic styles. It was also an itinerary from the earliest surviving iconography of the saint in Late Medieval Malta to Post-War styles up to the 1950s. Bozzetti and drawings for these works are also included. This art historical research is approached as in archaeology, "in the light of present evidence”, as from time to time, new discoveries may change the opinion of historians and connoisseurs. Then reappraisal and re-valuation creates new interest through fresh aesthetic experiences. Anonymous and recognized works of art executed by both local and foreign artists working in Malta have been taken into consideration. The works under study are housed in parish churches and museums, sacristies, chapels, and national cultural sites. A number of paintings of vernacular nature have also been included since, despite their inferior and limited quality, they are particularly interesting for tracing the devotional aspect of the Maltese towards the saint. This is the first time that paintings inspired by the cult of St George are being studied solely as a coherent unit. To date, this study had been undertaken only in relation to research on parish churches or with other works of art. An introduction on St George's cult and iconography precedes the catalogue. The spread of St George's cult in Malta is discussed in further detail. This introduction is fundamental as it relates the paintings to their historical context. A general chronological stylistic survey of the paintings introduces each catalogue. The compilation consists of a catalogue entry of each work, starting with title, artist, date, location, medium, dimensions and provenance. With some works of unknown authorship, attribution and date or epoch had to be attempted on stylistic grounds and comparative study. For some works the provenance had to be traced. After the title, each catalogue entry consists of documentation based on primary sources and published literature. Most primary sources include pastoral visits, presented chronologically, inventories and important historic manuscripts. Manuscripts from parish archives, including Veneranda Lampada, Libri Introiti and Libri Esiti, were also consulted. From all these primary sources the provenance, the paintings' relocation, changes of format, restoration and biographical information on the artist were collected. Primary sources taken from publications are indicated accordingly. It includes various publications of differing scholarly opinions, approaches and standards. Due importance is given to discoveries with correct references the authorship of which is acknowledged in the Bibliography. Particular inspiration came from publications by Profs. Mario. Buhagiar Ph.D (London), Dr Keith Sciberras Ph.D and by J.T. Spike. Unpublished dissertations and lecture notes were also consulted. The condition of each work and restorations, if any, are also put forward. Some restorers were consulted. A reference was made to some paintings which contributed to exhibitions. The paintings of St George are described within a framework of critical appreciation. This is based on an attentive analysis of historical and stylistic context after personal contact with the works of art in question. With some works, it was an exhilarating, aesthetic experience, quite unforgettable. Comparative study is based on the relation to the same artist's works, to iconographic innovation, and to the literature on the life, acts and legends related to the saint, with particular reference to Jacobus de Vorgaine's account of St George within the Golden Legend. The appendices supplementing this work are included in order to complement the research exposed in the text. Appendix I lists and illustrates the paintings of St George which, together with related paintings, feature in larger format in the Plates section at the end.