An art-historical consideration of the sanctuary and painting of Our Lady of tal-Ħerba

Abstract

Through various pastoral visitation reports, Nicholas Joseph Doublet reconstructs the elusive history of a small church and its transformation into one of the most vibrant and major sites of Marian devotion in Malta. The history of the Tal-Ħerba sanctuary, in Birkirkara, and its associated titular image offers a fascinating lens through which to explore the interplay of religious devotion, artistic expression, and community identity in early modern Malta. This paper aims to reconstruct the sanctuary's development and significance through an analysis of pastoral visitation records. These provide invaluable insights into its architectural evolution, liturgical functions, and the enduring veneration of the Marian image. The site's rich history, intertwined with popular traditions, ecclesiastical directives, and artistic commissions, not only underscores its role as a focal point of local devotion, but also reflects broader trends in the spiritual and artistic life of Malta during this period. By examining the gradual shifts in the sanctuary's dedication, furnishings, and iconography, this study situates Tal-Ħerba within the vibrant landscape of Marian devotion in the Hospitaller period and beyond, offering new perspectives on its enduring significance in the island's religious heritage.