The Nazarene movement and its impact on Maltese nineteenth century art

Abstract

During the early years of the British rule in Malta a number of young Maltese artists were awarded a bursary to study in Rome. Giuseppe Hyzler (1793-1858) was one of these young men. Whilst in Rome he espoused the theories of a group of somewhat eccentric painters, exponents of the German Romantic Movement, who called themselves the Lukasbruders. The Nazarenes, as they came to be known, advocated a form of Christian art purified of pagan encrustations. The art of the early Raphael was then ideal. A lifelong friendship sprung between Giuseppe Hyzler and the leader of the Nazarenes Friedrich Overbeck (1798-1869). This encounter was to have lasting effect on artistic event in Malta.