| CODE | AAH2025 | ||||||||
| TITLE | A Millennium of Art and Architecture in Malta I - Late Medieval to Contemporary | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Art and Art History | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit offers an overview of the rich and varied, multilayered history of the development of Art and Architecture in Malta from the Late Medieval period to the more experimental engagements at the turn of the second millenium. It discusses the local and international contexts as they evolved across the ages, thus permitting stylistic absorptions which were reflected in the works of both international and local artists and architects. It provides the necessary tools for a critical art historical appreciation of the more important works of art and architecture of the Maltese Islands as they evolved from Medieval and Renaissance times, to the advent of the Knights of St John and the consolidation of Mannerist and Baroque currents, and the subsequent gradual evolution to Neoclassical ideas which became more current during the British period which also witnessed the establishment of Romantic and Revivalist ideas, and the gradual metamorphosis towards modernity after World War II, onto Independence and its aftermath. Study-Unit Aims: This study-unit aims to provide a general understanding of the main currents at play in the development and evolution of art in Malta during the second millenium, discussing milestones of this astonishingly rich and multilayered story through the latest research available on the subject. It aims to equip students with the critical and art-historical tools required to appreciate the multi-faceted character of art in Malta. This course aims to highlight stylistic influences, mechanics of patronage and contextual analysis, which are essential for a strong engagement with the works under study. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - identify and differentiate the various artistic and stylistic currents in the evolution of art in Malta in the period under study; - critically engage with painting, sculpture and architectural works; - be aware of the several socio-political and cultural contexts which permitted specific developments in art in Malta; -be in a position to discuss the art-historical and theoretical complexities in the study of art in Malta in the light of the most advanced knowledge and research on the subject. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - distinguish between different stylistic idioms in painting, sculpture, and architecture; - have a grasp of the main highlights in art and architecture in Malta in the period under study; - engage with the necessary art-historical tools required for the analysis of artistic and architectural commissions under focus; - refine their conoisseurship of different artists and works of art within their context. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - M. Buhagiar, The Iconography of the Maltese Islands, Malta 1987. - Leonard Mahoney, History of Maltese Architecture, Malta 1998. - Quentin Hughes, Conrad Thake, Malta – The Baroque Island, Midsea Books, Malta, 2004. - M. Buhagiar, The Late Medieval Art and Architecture of the Maltese Islands, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, Malta 2005. - K. Sciberras, Roman Baroque Sculpture for the Knights of Malta, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, Malta 2004. - K. Sciberras, Baroque Painting in Malta, Midsea Books, Malta 2009. - Conrad Thake and Quentin Hughes, Malta War & Peace: an Architectural Chronicle 1800-2000, Midsea Books, Malta 2005. Supplementary Readings: - C. Vella, The Mediterranean Artistic Context of Late Medieval Malta 1091-1530, Midsea Books, Malta 2013. - J. P. Cassar, Pioneers of Modern Art in Malta, Vol.I and 2, Malta 2010, 2019. - Emanuel Fiorentino & Louis A. Grasso, Giuseppe Calì (1846-1930), Said International, Malta 1991. - C. Attard, The Art of Dying Well: Visual Culture in times of piety and plague - Malta 1675-1814, Kite, Malta 2022. - C. Thake (ed.), The Addolorata Cemetery, Midsea Books, Malta 2020. - M. Sagona (ed.), International Perspectives in the Decorative Arts: Nineteenth-Century Malta, Midsea Books, Malta 2021. - Dissertations presented to the Department of Art and Art History and other academic papers. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Independent Study | ||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Frederica Agius Christian Attard Matthew Attard Mark Sagona Keith Paul Sciberras Conrad Thake |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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