Freedom Monument, Malta : conceptual design sketches and ultimate realisation

Abstract

Freedom Day in Malta is the day when the island and its dependencies gained full sovereignty from colonial rule as a free, independent, and neutral republic. The Freedom Monument is a statement of Malta’s struggle for freedom and peace; it symbolises the day when the nation became truly run by the Maltese for the Maltese. Following an introduction to Malta’s historical–political context, this article reproduces and critically describes a set of conceptual design sketches by sculptor Anton Agius. It also includes a discussion on the monument as executed and concludes by noting factual observations on the process of the design and realisation of the monument. The resulting social realistic design is the work of the artist entrusted with the responsibility to translate the idea of Prime Minister Dom Mintoff into sculptural form. It is an iconic statement of Mintoff’s comprehension of Malta’s history and its direction for the welfare of present and future generations.