https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/73158 2026-04-27T14:57:39Z 2026-04-27T14:57:39Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85834 2021-12-20T15:33:05Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Mattia Preti and the spread of Baroque art in rural Malta between 1661 and the 1680s Abstract: This study analyses Mattia Preti’s rural commissions within the social fabric of the villages and engages with the mechanics of patronage. By evaluating Preti’s artistic dissemination from Valletta to various peripheral churches, it examines how these villages were so receptive of the Baroque manner defined by Preti and his contemporaries. Mattia Preti has been published extensively by several scholars and this study is hugely indebted to the Catalogues Raisonnés of Preti’s works by Spike (1999) and Sciberras (2012), (2020) which were a starting point and a constant point of reference. These tomes identify, catalogue and provide the artworks with a provenance and bibliography, based on archival research and exhibition history. The most seminal publications for the purpose of this research, are those by Sciberras. His book, Baroque Painting in Malta (2009), evaluates the Maltese artistic scenario as a microcosm of Italian art, providing a contextual analysis for artistic commissions whilst zooming into the works of well-known and lesser-known artists. A useful tool, at the end of the book, is the select list of works, in both public and ecclesiastical collections, which helped in identifying the major corpus of works by contemporaries of Preti. His Triumphant Manner (2012) and Mattia Preti, Life and Works (2020) acted as a launching pad to this study as they critically analyse the commissions of Preti both formally and stylistically. These publications were the most insightful for this study and provided great worth to the body of literature pertaining to the research. In view of these seminal publications, this study embarks on a critical evaluation of the published information, assessing it from the viewpoint of the villagers and focuses on the networking between the rural villages. Though rural commissions have been published by various scholars, this study further lends a voice and centre stage to the actions of rural villagers. These have very often been obscured, within traditional writings, dominated by the more literate and influential classes of society. The added value in this study lies in building on the generic details that other researchers and scholars have already published and thereby analysing and providing micro details that led to the dispersal of Preti’s art in rural villages, between the 1660s and the 1680s (Fig.38). It also outlines the impact that Preti exerted on his contemporaries and identifies their presence in the villages (Figs.51&52). Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85830 2022-04-12T08:17:11Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A history of interventions on Renaissance paintings in Malta Abstract: The main aim of this dissertation is to investigate the history of interventions on Renaissance paintings in Malta. Hence, it seeks to analyse the hidden aspects of paintings by investigating the physical signs on Renaissance paintings that were present on the Maltese Islands by the end of the sixteenth century as well as decipher the technical analysis undertaken on these works. The study of marks and labels on Renaissance paintings specifically and especially to Renaissance paintings on Malta has often been overlooked. Moreover, there is no one study that discusses and analyses marks and labels, workshop practices and the revelations of restoration interventions that focuses on the Renaissance paintings that were present on Malta by the sixteenth century all together. Therefore, this study tries to fill part of the lacunae that exist relating to the Renaissance paintings on the Maltese Islands. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85826 2021-12-20T15:30:47Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Filippo Paladini, ‘l’ultima maniera’ : a Florentine in Sicily in the age of Caravaggio Abstract: This dissertation intends to examine and analyse the works and the context of the last stylistic phase of Florentine-born Late-Mannerist Filippo Paladini (Casi in Val di Sieve, 1540s/50s – Palermo?, 1614). During his maturity, the artist had the chance to engage with the powerful art of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, particularly during the last years of Paladini’s residence in Sicily. The event of the arrival of Merisi in Malta in 1607, the time in which the two artists could have more easily come into contact – directly or otherwise, marks the inception of the Ultimo Paladini, the final phase of Paladini’s life. Shortly after, Paladini’s works were characterised by an experimentation with Caravaggesque elements, like the use of chiaroscuro and more naturalistic approaches. This language will be translated by Paladini, however, in a very unique way, and not without contradictions and sudden shifts in style. This dissertation aims to analyse and reconstruct the networks and the life experiences that could have led to such a change in the style of the artist. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85473 2021-12-14T06:07:36Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Post-truth imagery makes the quest for truth a subversive political act Abstract: This project entitled ‘Post-truth Imagery Makes the Quest for Truth a Subversive Political Act’, attempts at understanding the constantly evolving relationship with the truth, lies and emotions, through imagery, particularly imagery present online, especially social media. This research attempts at understanding how this disregard towards the truth and reality, has led to post-truth imagery. The presence of lies, particularly those online are now expected. This results in a public that is complacent. Which in itself is considered to be a post-truth reaction. With the final work the artist hopes that these themes will be brought forward and thus allow for discussion regarding the relationship the public has with lies and how this relationship impacts the public’s behaviour and perception. Description: M.F.A.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z