Paintings of the nativity and the epiphany in Maltese churches

Abstract

The scope of this dissertation is to provide a stylistic and iconographical study of paintings representing the Birth of Christ and the Adoration of the Magi in a chronological manner, as well as placing the paintings under study in their proper art historical context, supported by a critical and stylistic analysis. The study attempts to trace the popularity and the devotional aspect of paintings of the Nativity and Epiphany, two themes which have never been entirely studied in isolation. The period being dealt with spans from the mid-seventeenth century up to the mid-twentieth century, however attempts have also been made at tracing the earliest existing images of the Nativity and the Epiphany in Malta. Both anonymous and recognised works of art, executed by both local and foreign artists working in Malta, have been taken into consideration. A number of foreign paintings which have established the general iconography have also been included. Where necessary attributions were given on stylistic grounds. In addition, parallels with other paintings by the same author have been made to further support the attributions. The works under study are housed in Maltese Parish churches, parish sacristies and museums as well as filial churches. A very small number of paintings, which are not part of the church collection, have also been included because of their seminal importance in the study of history of art in Malta. The representations of the Nativity as part of the Rosrary mysteries are outside the scope of this dissertation and can be the subject for a future study. A number of paintings of vernacular nature have also been included despite their weak and limited quality. However, they are particularly interesting for tracing the devotional aspect of the Maltese people towards these themes. This art historical study required archival research at the Cathedral Museum of Mdina and the Archbishop's Curia in Floriana, particularly for the consultation of Pastoral Visitations. Primary sources at the archives of various Churches, as well as a large number of secondary sources have also been amply made use of. Due to the unsuitable location and the very poor state of preservation of some of the paintings, the works could not be properly examined at close quarters, thus hindering a proper artistic analysis of the paintings under study.