Representations of angels in paintings in Malta

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to present a study of angels from an artistic perspective. The figure of the angel has presented itself consistently in all artistic periods and belonging to a largely religious sphere, angels have been included in artistic representations of a predominantly sacred subject. Forming an essential part of Christian iconography, their imagery carries a theological aspect which requires significant consideration in their discussion. The works discussed in each chapter range from all artistic milieus and some chapters encompass paintings found Malta from the late fourteenth to the twentieth century. The periods from which the paintings are presented are not arranged to give a chronological account of a development in art history. The aim is to demonstrate the timeless preoccupation of artists in portraying angels and the valid iconographical import that they provide within a particular chosen subject.