Italian artistic and cultural influences in Malta : 1919-1939

Abstract

The purpose of this brief study is to inquire about the influences, directly or indirectly related to Italy, on mentality, ideas, cultural and artistic endeavour in Malta between the two world wars. I have attempted to trace historical events alongside artistic and cultural developments in the two decades between 1919 and 1939, in so far as these seem to have been directly related to Italian influences, and thus, as was inevitable, to the Fascist era. Italian influence related to Fascism is termed 'inevitable' because any significant movement in practically all aspects of Italian society fell under Fascist sway. Thus, the aspects I am to discuss in this study relate to Italian and inevitably Fascist influences, their impact on Maltese society at large or certain strata of society. Hence, my perspective throughout the work focuses on the socio-cultural and artistic aspects, with reference to political and historical events. The most important works cited, which shed more than light on the subject are quite numerous. Thus, I am going to mention, those works which in my view were the most helpful. For the general view, Brendon's The Dark Valley was a wonderful book, analytical, informative and descriptive without being boring. Ganado's ‘Rajt Malta Tinbidel’ and Mercieca's ‘Le Mie Vicende’ both first-hand accounts, gave me an insight of the general feeling of those living in the inter-war era. Mercieca's paper, ‘Attivita' Culturali Italiane in Malta’ (1931-36) was extremely insightful, informative and revealing. A work which gives a well presented local background and investigates issues rarely tackled before, is without doubt Frendo's Party Politics in a Fortress Colony. Besides Frendo's papers featured in a lot of journals were important for the numerous arguments tackled, regarding culture and nationhood. For the whole general iv idea on Maltese culture Malta Culture and Identity proved quite helpful although few papers lack a serious critical analysis. For the chapter regarding literature, the numerous works of Oliver Friggieri, were always insightful. For the music chapter two important provided me with the facts although both lack a serious critical analysis; Bondin's ‘Il-Mużika ta' Malta fis-Sekli Dsatax u Għoxrin’ and Miceli's ‘L-Istorja ta’ l-Opra f'Malta (1866-2000)’. This lack of critical analysis was balanced by Joe Vella's paper on music in Malta Culture and Identity mentioned previously. Dennis Vella's works were crucial in the chapter dedicated to the arts; his writing is readable, informative and analytical, yet at the same time not tiring. D. Vella's M.A. thesis, 'Maltese Artists in Rome', along with Sciortino Monuments and Public Sculptures and the catalogues of the exhibitions held at the Museum of Fine Arts were always revealing. This research would not have been complete if it was not for the crucial help kindly given by a large number of people for whom I am in debts of gratitude. First and foremost, thanks goes to my supervisor, Profs. Henry Frendo who advised and assisted me throughout the whole work. The several discussions we had together were insightful and helped me to strengthen several arguments presented in this work Special thanks goes to Dennis Vella, a friend with whom I share the passion for art and culture. His help was infinitely valuable; he guided me for the chapter dedicated to art and even read that particular chapter along with the one which tackles other influences. Dr. Carmel Cassar provided insightful help through a discussion we had. With Dr. Salvu Catania I had healthy discussions about film. Thanks goes to Dr. Charles Dalli, Profs. Dominic Fenech, Profs. Oliver Friggieri, Profs. Goddfrey Wettinger, Dr. John Chircop and Therese Vella who helped me in some way or v another either through discussions or advices. I must acknowledge the insightful meetings I had with the following people; Fr. Marius Zerafa O.P., Chev. Vincenzo Apap, Mons. fortunate Mizzi, Dr. Ugo Mifsud Bonnioi, Joseph Sapiano, John Xuereb, Noel Radmilli, Alberta Cassar Torregiani and Renato La Ferla. Sandro Debono a friend and colleague, pointed out some works which I was not familiar with. Special thanks goes to a long-time friend and colleague from the same history department Noah Agius who helped me in several ways. With John Anthony Fsadni, a long-time friend, I discussed some topics from the chapter dealing with music while Mario Micallef, another long-time friend, helped me with several advices. I must acknowledge the work done by the Melitensia section at the University of Malta along with the other University librarians, who were always friendly and helpful. Acknowledgements must be made to the CCT Video Library at the University whose librarian Anita Ragonesi was always willing to help. Thanks goes to the ‘Istituto Culturale Italiano’, The Museum of Fine Arts, Anthony Scicluna owner of Cafe Jubilee, and the La Vallette Band Club in Valletta for certain advices given. Unfortunately, I didn't find the expected help from the ‘Societa' Dante Alighieri’ and the National Library in Valletta. A special thanks goes to my family who supported me throughout the whole work. I must acknowledge the work of the lecturers at the history department who assisted me throughout the three-year course. Last but not least, a very special thanks goes to Yana Utkina whose help was invaluable, mainly through her support, revisioning, advices and discussions.