An Italian artistic presence in 19th and 20th century Malta 1850 -1960

Abstract

The present study attempts to shed light on the symbiotic relationship that existed between Italy and Malta during the 19th and 2oth centuries which, since it extended itself in many spheres of life, did not fail to have an indelible impact on art and culture. Always ready to pronounce their supposed Italian descent, many locals were more than happy to host the hundreds of Italians - intellectuals, artists, or just plain refugees, who inundated 19th century Malta. And many Italians, troubled by their country's political uncertainty, found it more than convenient to settle permanently, or at least for long spans, in Malta. In 1870 Rome was made capital of the new unified Italy. As a result the Church lost much of its temporal powers and consequently its bind over the Arts. Quite abruptly Roman art, which up to that point had remained very much conservative, came of age. Numerous academic artists, hitherto thriving on the Pope's expansive patronage, faced an unstable future. But instead of updating their antiquated cesthetics to the new political and artistic exigencies, many found it more convenient to operate within a country more congenial to their sensibilities. Malta, constricted by its geography but yearning to form part of Italy, was a favourite prey.