Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25111
Title: Late medieval and early modern mullioned windows in Mdina, Birgu and Gozo Citadel : a gazetteer of typologies
Authors: Borg, Sonia
Keywords: Architecture, Medieval -- Malta
Art, Medieval -- Malta
Architecture -- Details
Issue Date: 2017
Abstract: This dissertation aims at studying and cataloguing the twenty-five mullioned windows extant on the Maltese Islands. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the mullioned windows and their architectural and historical context in which these windows were created. Firstly, it would have been much easier had we been able to undertake stone characterisation analysis. In so doing, we would have had a proper indication of how old the windows really are. Both Heritage Malta and the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Malta were contacted. Whilst we do have the correct equipment, an X-Ray Diffraction unit, actually provenancing the stone proved to be an impossible task as this equipment was procured without the comparative data-base of stone types. Hence characterisation can be made, but the data retrieved cannot be matched to any stone-type. The mullioned windows are tackled one by one in Chapter 2 and categorised according to style. The comparative stylistic analysis in Appendix A proved to be an indispensable tool, as it sums-up the characteristics of each and every window and draws comparisons with windows of the same typology in Sicily and Catalunya. Another key aspect of this dissertation is found in Chapter 3. The research was met with a lack of information and the conclusion of this study would have taken a different turning had it not been for the striking discovery of old unpublished drawings executed around 1915 by A. Galea. Indeed, it was a revelation to view drawings of these windows in their state prior to restoration, which so far through popular belief, were seen as heavily lacking in their originality. These drawings became the voice of the windows yearning to be appreciated for their long history and for having stood the test of time. As discussed in Chapter 4, the single biggest handicap met throughout this study proved to be the lacunae of primary sources. Many a time, experts in the field of Late Medieval and Early Modern periods would just raise an eyebrow and acknowledge that there is no information on such windows. It is hoped that this gazetteer goes a long way in filling some of these gaps.
Description: B.A.(HONS)HIST.OF ART
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/25111
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacArt - 2017
Dissertations - FacArtHa - 2017

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