The self-portrait in Maltese art with particular emphasis on the 20th century

Abstract

The objective of this dissertation is to provide a general survey of the development of self-portraiture in Malta with particular emphasis on its development in the 20th century. It was therefore necessary to analyse the artistic trends prevalent in each period together with the main artists who contributed towards this development. Comparisons with international artistic influences or with individual masters have also been made. The first chapter has been dedicated to defining what is meant by self-portraiture, outlining in the process the divergent views that have developed and that are still emerging. It also introduces the reader to the historical development of self-portraiture in the wider international perspective and also tries to analyse the various categories of self-portraits that have been produced over the years. The second is a brief historical appraisal of self-portraiture within the Maltese art context starting from the time of the arrival of Knights of St John in Malta and proceeding up to the 20th century. The main body of the dissertation is found in chapter three and is dedicated to a detailed analysis of the output of self-portraits by the main artists practicing in Malta during the 20th century. This chapter is divided into three parts starting with the first half of the century, proceeding to post-World War II artists, and concluding with artists practicing in post-Independent Malta.