The nature of ornament in the ecclesiastical decorative arts in Malta (1850–1900) : evolution, typologies and influences

Abstract

In spite of its geographical location at the periphery of Europe, the tiny central Mediterranean island of Malta managed to absorb the most important design currents of the nineteenth century. This paper examines the ornamental components in a number of documented case studies of liturgical objets d'art and items of church furniture across the many ecclesiastical establishments which dot the Maltese archipelago. The stylistic evolution of ornament, which manifests itself in the works of Maltese designers and decorative practitioners, as well as in significant importations from various European centres, including Rome, Paris and London, is considered vis-á-vis the spirit of the time, and the typical nineteenth-century desire for variety and pluralism. In this study, the various typologies in use– largely appearing in the different media of silver, wood carving and embroidery– are explored, juxtaposed and compared to their occurrence on the international stage, proving that Malta was not isolated from mainland Europe. The paper discusses the role and function of ornament within the specific context of Roman Catholic liturgy and the celebration of feasts in honour of village patron saints, and explores the notions of tradition and invention and the peculiar stylistic timbre of different designers within the revivalist and eclecticist design attitudes of the period. Possible sources and influences are also explored, including the circulation of pattern books, workshop drawings and the strong Italian bias.