Public monuments in nineteenth and early twentieth century Malta : an art historical appreciation

Abstract

This thesis aims to record and analyse in depth in an effort to understand whether European influences and trends were an inspiration for several artists working in and for Malta. The initial and subsequent impact of these monuments on their surrounding environments will also be examined. The study covers official and privately commissioned monuments as well as religious and funerary ones, all of which are sited in public or semi-public places. In this sense, all monuments in churches and cemeteries are excluded from detailed examination, but are mentioned in passing as required. The study will throw light on the artists who produced these works and examine the raison d’ être behind their commissions. Another point requiring explanation is the reason for the great concentration of monuments in the Valletta-Floriana area and why specific monuments were dedicated to certain categories of persons and not to others. This work hopefully contributes to a subject that has been insufficiently documented, by bringing to light various aspects and examine them from a political, social, economic and artistic point of view. The study followed a strategic plan for the gathering of information. Initially all the public monuments within the period were identified, photographed and field notes taken. The latter were then matched with research undertaken mainly at the National Library, Valletta, the National Archives, Rabat and the Chief Draughtsman’s Office, Floriana.