Architectural scenography in 18th-century Mdina

Abstract

Architectural scenography assumed a greater significance in the ceremonial rituals of the ruling Order of St John and the local Church during the 18th century. Nowhere was this more apparent then in the grand public spectacles that were held in Mdina, especially during the reign of Grand Master Anton Manoel de Vilhena( 1722-1736). The elements of scenography included temporary triumphal arches, festoons, damasks, street decorations, movable altars of repose and religious statuary. This paper will focus on architectural scenography in 18th-century Mdina with specific reference to the designs of ceremonial triumphal arches and the movable 'Altar of Repose' by Pietro Paolo Troisi (1686-1750?). The second part of the paper will be concerned with the scenographic element in the architectural and urban interventions of Grand Master Vilhena in Mdina.