The iconography of St. Paul in Maltese paintings

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to complete an art historical catalogue of the paintings of St Paul in Malta. The introduction deals with the cult of St Paul in Malta. It traces the churches dedicated to this saint through the ages. It also deals with the oldest works of art found on the island. In the second part of the introduction the cult and iconography of St Paul is discussed at length. The birth, life and death of St Paul are duly depicted in works of art around the island. These works are found in various parish church, museum and sacristies, chapels and palaces. Works of art about St Paul adorn the Mdina Cathedral as well as humble wayside chapels. For each work, a catalogue entry starts with the artist, title, location, medium and date of the work. Anonymous works were analyzed on stylistic grounds and attribution and period of execution were attempted. The documentation of each catalogue entry is based on careful critical appreciation and literature. The dissertation follows a thematic order. Chapter one will discuss the life cycles of St Paul as well as the Apotheosis of St Paul and his Conversion on the Road to Damascus. The life cycles will be discussed as a whole while indicating key aspects of each painting present, as the typology of the figure of St Paul does not change in such circumstances. Indeed uniformity in the representation of the saint is maintained, creating homogenous cycles pertaining to the life of the saint. The Life Cycles discussed demonstrate the important role St Paul plays in Maltese art, from the earliest retable attributed to the circle of Luis Borassa to modem works such as the cycle painted for the centenary celebrations, by Emvin Cremona. The second chapter discusses the Iconography of Saint Paul in relation to his stay in Malta. Certain themes in this chapter are intertwined such as in the 'Shipwreck of St Paul' and the 'Miracle of the Viper'. Events that depict St Paul together with St Publius are also discussed separately in this chapter. Chapter three treats the role of St Paul as Patron Saint of Malta, both in individual representations of the Saint and his inclusion in other religious themes.