Allegories in wall painting in Malta 1570-1670

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to analyse the allegorical representations executed as murals commissioned by the Knights of the Order of St. John between the late 1570s and 1670. The allegories selected and discussed formed part of milestone works produced by leading foreign artists such as Matteo Perez d’Aleccio, Filippo Paladini, Leonello Spada and Mattia Preti. Thus examples from both the Mannerist and Baroque periods are discussed within their historical and artistic context. The time frame chosen excludes works of an allegorical nature executed by Maltese artists such as Francesco Zahra’s decoration of the Chapter Hall in the Mdina Cathedral and it also excludes allegorical representations executed in other mediums such as the oil on canvas frieze transferred onto walls in the old Grand Master’s Bedroom in the Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta. This study, apart from providing a detailed analysis of allegorical representations of Virtues, Beatitudes and heroic figures, is aimed at studying the symbolical relationship of allegories to reflect historical facts and praise glorious deeds. Therefore, great emphasis has been put on the use of the allegorical figures by the Knights of the Order of St. John to assert or glorify their victories and accomplishments.