Dome painting in 19th and 20th century Malta

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to trace the development of dome painting in the Maltese islands during the 19th and 20th century (1850-1980), within their proper context, from the conventional traditional style practised in Malta in the late 19th century to a modern idiom in the second half of the 20th century. It also provides a critical analysis of the output of local and foreign artists and their impact on dome painting and the sacred art scene where the individuality of the artist tries to assert itself within the restrictive boundaries of the church authorities. This study, divided into four chapters, follows a chronological trajectory, and it seeks to locate each dome painting in its artistic context and to make a critical analysis of the work. This study concentrates on a specific number of paintings in the main dome churches and Cathedrals in the Maltese islands. Only one example of drum painting has been included as this was to serve as the first phase of a large decorative project encompassing the dome.