https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/11832 2026-04-27T19:51:03Z 2026-04-27T19:51:03Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15988 2020-09-30T10:23:08Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: M.A. in Baroque Studies 2015 Abstract: A list of the dissertations in Master of Arts in Baroque Studies submitted in 2015 to the International Institute of Baroque Studies Description: M.A.BAR.STUD.

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/11858 2017-10-16T13:46:26Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Women in eighteenth century Malta legal and social aspects Abstract: The main aim of this study is to try to dispel some of the misconceptions concerning the legal and social status of women in eighteenth century Malta. The most prevalent impression is that women were under the complete control of the men in all fields; political, social, religious and economic. This research attempted to show that women were capable, notwithstanding all the strictures of law and societal attitudes, to maximize the few opportunities available to them, and in exercising part of their potential, played a part, in parallel to that of men, in the economic life of the community. This work included an overview of the social and political background of the period in Malta, followed by a review of what had been written so far concerning the position of women. This was confronted with an examination of their position according to the laws of Malta. The information collated was in turn confronted with the diverse legal scenarios in other European countries during that time. A sample of 1401 public deeds that women in the mid-eighteenth century were party to, were then analysed. The research shows that women’s legal and social status afforded them the opportunity, even if to a relatively limited extent when compared to men, to be more proactive than had been imagined. It also indicated that women were capable, notwithstanding all the strictures of law, of taking a part in the economic life of the community through their trade and their possessions in parallel with men. The image of women in eighteenth century Malta thus has been redefined from the few previous studies that have been carried out to date. It also provides another viewpoint on women’s participation in the economy and shows that their ordinary working lives were not always limited solely to bringing up their families. Women indeed, had other tasks which highlighted their potential and their capabilities. From now on, one can hopefully refrain from envisaging all women living in eighteenth century Malta either as dutiful submissive wives or holy nuns at one extreme end, or as permissive prostitutes or wicked witches at the other. Description: M.A.BAR.STUD.

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/11851 2017-08-22T08:35:30Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A historical interpretation of religious architecture in baroque Valletta Abstract: The scope of this study is defined around two elements - time and space. In terms of time, the study is limited to the Knights’ period between 1566 and 1798. With regards to space, the geographical boundaries chosen for this study are the urban limits of Valletta. The author consequently considers Valletta to be the most fitting case study, bearing in mind that the city was an urban context, free of restrictions set by earlier development, a subject which is discussed in detail. In addition to this, Valletta has a suitable diversity of ecclesiastical buildings representing various religious institutions. This diversity is therefore perceived as a good indicator of social dynamics for the trends identified. The primary purpose of this study, then, is not so much to understand the church building elements, shape and architecture but to explore the dual relationship between church development and the shaping of the city. Description: M.A.BAR.STUD.

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/11847 2017-10-02T10:24:31Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Propaganda by the Lutheran and Catholic churches : the use of music, painting, sculpture and architecture to draw the faithful (16th.-18th. century) Abstract: This dissertation examines how successful the Catholic Church was when it used the visual arts as propaganda to stem the spread of Protestantism after Luther‟s revolt because of his justified criticism of its many abuses. It will also explore if Protestants missed out because they did not use the visual arts. The Catholic Church was compelled to mount a massive propaganda campaign to counter the biggest challenge it had ever faced when Luther used the printing press to spread his message throughout Europe. These arts had to appeal to the senses so emotional ornamentation for delectare, docere and muovere, was used to get the exercitant to participate. The Catholic Church used opulent architecture, illusionistic ceiling paintings to make visible Saints‟ missionary or charitable works, grandiose conversion, martyrdom or healing scenes and sculpture that involved the unity of the arts for mystic scenes to overwhelm the observer so he participates in the event portrayed. These works proclaimed the triumphant Counter-Reformation Church. Luther, on the other hand, while not exactly against the visual arts, did not want them used for veneration or to buy one‟s way into heaven, so Protestants decorated pulpits and baptismal fonts which the Protestant liturgy needed. Both Churches wanted to use music for instruction and participation in masses or services and both included it in the curriculum. Both used emotional ornamentation to appeal and to dramatise the Bible text so people learnt their texts and both excluded music that overshadowed text. After some background information and the need for propaganda, the position of both Churches towards the arts precedes the chapters about how these arts were used during the Counter-Reformation. The study will then end by an evaluation of the results of the research supported by figures to show the Catholic Church‟s success. Description: M.A.BAR.STUD.

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z