Sarria Church, Malta : a Gesamtkunstwerk of the Baroque era

Abstract

Known as Sarria Church, the Church of the „Immaculate Conception” was erected as a votive offering in the late 17th century. The architect and painter engaged was the Italian Mattia Preti. Drawing on a number of studies on the church’s paintings and architecture, this article highlights specific elements which contribute to the overarching notion of the Gesamtkunstwerk within the Baroque Zeitgeist. It attempts to unravel the sources which provided the background for its spiritual aspirations. Finally, this typical Baroque node is placed within the international context.