The Inquisitors' Palace kitchen complex : manifestations of a baroque material culture

Abstract

The most obvious association of food with the Holy Office emanates mainly from testimonies of individuals in breach of Catholic dietary prohibitions. However, few recognise that some inquisitors were also refined gastronomes. Apart from interests in collections of art, antiques and books, some cultivated sophisticated tastes while savouring coffee, chocolate, ice-cream, spices, pasta sfoglia and different types of cakes.' Such refined tastes are also a reflection of the tools and equipment used to prepare the same food. It is here assumed that kitchen tools are as intimate as the food an individual consumes. If there is a strong element of truth in the assumption that individuals self-consciously project identities when consuming particular foods, then it is also true that such identities can be manifested through the acquisition and use of the same tools that make the preparation of food possible. The meanings generated by the kitchen equipment found in the inquisitors' palace serves as a modicum to discuss the kitchen complex as an example of baroque material culture in Malta.