Mariano Girada (1771-1823) : Maltese art and Spain 1750-1830

Abstract

This thesis seeks to evaluate the artistic relation between Spain and Maltese art from the mid-eighteenth-century to the mid-nineteenth century through the Maltese sculptor Mariano Girada (1771-1823) and his polychrome sculpture commissions. It will also seek to propose an as yet unidentified Spanish context for Girada's style noticeable in Spanish stylistic influences in his works and in broader terms also in economic and social links between Spain and Malta. The data as collated and interpreted will eventually form a study model for evaluating the artistic environment of the island and its interactions with centres of artistic production in the Mediterranean. For the scope of this thesis, the polychromed sculpture of Mariano Girada represents a channel, although surely not exclusive, through which ideas have been transmitted from the core (Spain) to the geographic periphery (Malta). References to his artistic formation in Valencia in secondary sources suggest it was a regional centre that was nonetheless of importance within Spain's broad and varied artistic environment. Girada's works have not been the subject of in depth art historical studies prior to this thesis, although nineteenth century sources do refer to his works and his relation with Valencia. Recent studies by E. F. Montanaro have provided a wider understanding of Girada's artistic activity. Further details have also been published lately by J. Debono. An evaluation of Girada's works and contribution to nineteenth century sculpture has to come to terms with a diversity of issues and values that are often not exclusively aesthetic or art historical.