Religious art in Gozo (1500-1900) : a study on patronage patterns

Abstract

The artistic scene in Gozo is dominated largely by religious art. The miniature size of Gozo and its often impoverished community of farmers and fisherman left no scope for private commissions. Throughout the past centuries the Maltese islands displayed a religious character which had been germinating as early as prehistoric times. The church in Gozo was the focal point of every village and the centre around which the life of every rural community revolved. Everything was divided and determined by the religious ceremonies and church festivities. There was a great belief in life after death and many villagers who owned property felt the obligation to remember their parish in their wills. Thus, artistic patronage in Gozo was mostly confined for religious practice and devotions, the most popular being dedicated to the Madonna venerated under various titles.