The 1763 writings and drawings of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mellieħa by Padre Pelagio

Abstract

Padre Pelagio Mifsud Gauci Piscopo (1708-1781), a Capuchin priest and a former diocesan priest from Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Malta, is remembered for his keen interest in local history, though few are aware that he was also an art lover as manifested in a number of sketches which he had drawn. Even though these cannot be considered as outstanding works of art, some of these sketches are of great relevance since they are the only extant artistic impressions recorded by this Capuchin friar. These sketches include site plans of different places in Malta and Gozo, a small map of the Maltese islands, portraits, and other drawings illustrating various coats of arms which Padre Pelagio reproduced from various tomb inscriptions.