Eighteenth century marble altar typologies of the Maltese islands

Abstract

The aim of this study is to gain an insight on the vast collection of altars created during the eighteenth century, at the height of the Baroque period in the Maltese Islands. In this catalogue I have chosen to list a select number of altars based on their uniqueness in design and richness in materials. There are many more Baroque altars embellishing the churches of Malta and Gozo than the ones catalogued here and perhaps some day I will have the opportunity to continue with this work with the aim of cataloguing this impressive heritage of our islands. In this Catalogue of works I first try to give a short history of the development of the altar in the context of the Catholic Church from the early centuries leading to the important changes effected by the doctrinal pronouncements of the Council of Trent which culminated in the Baroque altar. Then I give a detailed analysis of the architectural features of selected altars from various churches and chapels in Malta and Gozo with particular reference to the marbles used. The altars in this catalogue were chosen because of their uniqueness in design, the selection of precious marbles used, and the exquisite workmanship with which they were executed. I start off with the more elaborately designed high altars with tabernacles dominating their gradines. Then come chapel, side and titular altars. I then give a list of all the marbles used in these altars accompanied by relevant images and a glossary of architectural and design terms.