The development of Maltese church doorways from the late medieval to the early modern

Abstract

Maltese church doorways are generally the synopsis of the church in its totality. They are often a reflection of economic and social stability which however in most towns and villages fluctuated from time to time. Their style varied from vernacular to academic, particularly with the presence of foreign architects who were commissioned to work in the Maltese Islands by the Hospitallers of the Order of St. John. The aim of this study is to follow a chronological evolution of Maltese church doorways between the late Medieval and early Modern period. It includes an investigation of the traditions and the various influences that affected the Maltese production. Presently there are only sporadic case studies of church doorways which are generally treated as part of the church as a whole. The purpose of this analysis, therefore is to give more light to the development of church architecture through the study of its doorways as a separate entity. This study is chronologically divided into three phases. The first regards the earliest type of built church doorways in Malta. It incorporates the Norman late Medieval tradition influenced via the Sicilian experience. The second considers the early Knights' period and its impact on the development of the Maltese traditions. It will examine the importation of new styles, particularly those of the Italian Renaissance, the Spanish tastes and the Sicilian provincial influences. The emerging tradition of Maltese scalpellini and Capo mastri and their indefinite role in Maltese building industry of the time, makes it more difficult to attribute doorway designs and the actual execution. The last important period taken into consideration is the development of the Baroque mentality as expressed through the articulation and decoration of church doorways. A number of foreign architects have contributed directly in shaping the Maltese typology. Their production reflected their derivation and formation, whilst local architects absorbed the foreign influence and adapted it to their vernacular traditions. In conclusion, a set of prototype doorways are presented to highlight the essential features and characteristics of the different periods and phases. Their articulation and decoration formed the evolution of the Maltese church doorway from the late fourteenth century to the middle of the eighteenth century. The major disadvantage that such a study encounters is the lack of archival buttressing. The attributions for most of the doorways under study are taken from previous publications assuming that the architect of the church is also the designer of the doorway, save those for which an attribution is attempted following stylistic comparisons. In this case a number of drawings and diagrams will be included to support arguments. The general visual aspect is mainly based upon photographic reproductions. This study mainly concerns main west doorways of Maltese Parish churches, marking the general trend and development. However, a number of Monastic and Conventual churches as well as a limited number of minor church doorways are also taken into account when considered sufficiently important.