Decoration in the churches of Gozo: Stone, Marble, Stucco and Silver is the title of a public on-site lecture led by Dr Mark Sagona, visual artist and visiting lecturer in the Department of Art and Art History, Faculty of Arts at the University of Malta.
The lecture will focus on a seldom-discussed aspect of the artistic heritage of the island of Gozo. It will take into consideration works of decoration which embellish several of the ecclesiastical establishments which dot the island. Some of these works are of particular artistic significance and transcend the isolation of an island on the periphery of Europe. On the contrary, they speak a language of sophistication which not only reflects the much larger international context but also are among the more important works in stone, marble, stucco and silver in the Maltese Islands.
The lecture will focus on a seldom-discussed aspect of the artistic heritage of the island of Gozo. It will take into consideration works of decoration which embellish several of the ecclesiastical establishments which dot the island. Some of these works are of particular artistic significance and transcend the isolation of an island on the periphery of Europe. On the contrary, they speak a language of sophistication which not only reflects the much larger international context but also are among the more important works in stone, marble, stucco and silver in the Maltese Islands.
This on-site discussion will highlight works produced between the 18th and the 20th century scattered in a number of churches across Gozo. The lecture will provide a unique hands-on opportunity to participants to look at a close range at such precious works while discussing issues of style, ornament, material, technique and authorship.
Works to be discussed range from ceiling stucco decoration to stone carvings to altars in marble and artefacts in silver, and include works from the oeuvre of artists as diverse as Gio Antonio Durante, Francesco Zahra, Vincenzo Belli, Francesco Saverio Sciortino and Giuseppe Galea.
The lecture will be held on Saturday 10 November 2018 between 09:00 and 12:30. Participants will be meeting in front of the Astra Theatre in Republic Street, Victoria, where transport will be provided. The lecture forms part of the 17th edition of Festival Mediterranea which this year is being dedicated to the memory of Prof. Mro. Joseph Vella (1942-2018).
Dr Mark Sagona, Ph.D., is a visual artist and visiting lecturer in the Department of Art and Art History, Faculty of Arts, University of Malta. He has exhibited, published, and lectured extensively on the subject of the decorative arts in Malta and on nineteenth and early twentieth century art. His doctoral dissertation is on the decorative arts in nineteenth-century Malta.