An art historical study and condition assessment of a select corpus of paintings at the University of Malta, Valletta Campus

Abstract

This dissertation aims to analyse a select corpus of works from the University of Malta’s Portrait Collection housed at the Valletta Campus. In total, seven portraits: four from the Uomini Illustri Maltesi collection and three from the ‘Portraits of Academics’ collection were selected. These are: Portrait of Fra Stefano D. Angelo, Portrait of Fra Domenico Bartolo, Portrait of Giovan Domenico Lorito, Portrait of Giovan Francesco Bonamico, Portrait of Professor Judge Paolo Debono, Portrait of Professor Judge Antonio Micallef and Portrait of Count Federico Caruana Gatto. The portraits were studied in relation to the respective artistic and historic context. In addition to this, the current state of preservation has also been examined through non-invasive methodologies. The first chapter discusses the historical context and the provenance of the two collections. The chapter includes a discussion on the acquisition of the Uomini Illustri Maltesi collection as well as a biographical overview of the patron of this cycle of paintings, Fra Dr Giuseppe Zammit. This part of the research also delves into the ‘Portraits of Academics’ collection and how it is connected with the former portrait collection. The paintings from the latter collection were placed within the context of the period when these commissions took place. Finally, the chapter ends with the unfortunate events of the Second World War which led to the damages on a number of paintings including two portraits under study. In chapter two, a stylistic and comparative approach of the seven selected portraits was taken to further analyse the works. Relations with other works within the respective time and in the case of the three works from the ‘Portraits of Academics’ collection from the artists who executed them, were carried out. Finally, the third chapter discusses and maps out the current conditions of the seven artworks. The assessment includes the analysis of the damages which the works have suffered, or are still suffering from, as well as interventions that were made. Hence, this will formulate a holistic understanding of the artworks, both the art historical aspect as well as the current state of preservation while also placing them in their rightful position within their respectful artistic context throughout the development of art in Malta.