The depiction of Maltese costumes in 18th century paintings in Malta

Abstract

The Purpose of this thesis is to present a comprehensive study of Maltese costumes in eighteenth century paintings. It is also intended to contextualise and understand these various sources in a manner that will lay the foundations for yet a comprehensive survey of the said costumes. This dissertation, which aims at qualifying the depiction of costumes in 18th century paintings is part of a study being carried out at the University of Malta under the tutorship of Dr. Keith Sciberras. This is the first study which has been undertaken and which speaks primarily about eighteenth century costumes. However, Romina Delia’s own dissertation on portraits of the Maltese nobility, gentry and prominent personalities together with that of Kenneth Cassar which delved into the portraits of popes, bishops and High Ecclesiastics are considered as important contributions towards the same study. The third dissertation by Jessica Borg concerned Portraits of the Knights of the Order of St. John. The most important study which served as an excellent source of information for this dissertation was the book entitled Costume in Malta, by Nicholas de Piro and Vicki Ann Cremona published in 1998. Also of great help was the Patrimonju Exhibition of Costume in Malta held in 1998 at the Grand Master’s Palace. It will be remembered as the first significant display of important relics of the skills, industry and mentality related to the costume of the Maltese people. Unfortunately, only few researches have been undertaken regarding the subject of 18th century costumes. Until a few years ago, ‘old clothes’ were of very little interest to the society in general. However, it has now been widely accepted that it is through the analysis of old costumes, particularly in paintings, that the identity of people can be established.