Portraits of grand master Emmanuel Pinto de Fonseca (1741-1773)

Abstract

This dissertation deals with the portraits of Grand Master Emmanuel Pinto de Fonseca produced from the 1740’s until the end of the eighteenth century. Paintings, sculpture, prints and coinage have all been included in this dissertation to give a synoptic study of most of the portraits of Grand Master Pinto. Moreover, this dissertation deals with contemporary portraits of the individual and thus posthumous portraits produced after the 18th century have been disregarded. Research on this topic has revealed that there are numerous portraits of Grand Master Pinto, which undoubtedly reflects his long reign. The art historical context for this subject is dealt with in the introduction as well as in the first chapter; which compares and contrasts the portraits of Grand Master Pinto with the portraits of his contemporaries in Europe. Furthermore, an analysis of the power and function of portraiture is also present in the Introduction as well as in the first chapter. Chapter two, deals with the full-length portraits of Grand Master Pinto, in public collections. The paintings are discussed in an essay which highlights the diverse quality of these works; from the superior works of Bernard and Favray to the less impressive paintings at Verdala and San Anton Palaces. In Chapter three, the smaller works are discussed according to the different format that each painting has and the three main typologies for the smaller works are analysed. Chapter four discusses sculpture, coinage and prints as essential elements to disseminate an image of a ruler. Furthermore, the functions of portraiture are analysed in this chapter when discussing, coins and medals, prints, the sepulchral monument of St. John’s and the portrait bust in Valletta. In conclusion, the dissertation brings forth a synoptic overview of the Portraits of Grand Master Emmanuel Pinto de Fonseca in public as well as in private collections while highlighting the major artists and works which emphasized and promoted the late baroque style in Malta.