1994 -'GIROLAMO GIANNI IN MALTA'

Neapolitan artist Girolamo Gianni (1837- 1895) arrived in Malta in 1867 apparently on an exploratory trip to try the local market. He quickly established his reputation as a popular painter and resolved to settle on the island with his family.

During the two decades of his sojourn in Malta, Gianni built up a profitable business running a busy bottega, producing small souvenir paintings and large commissioned works. His works provide a lightly romantic and idyllic record of daily life in Malta including street scenes, naval seascapes and rural views. The exhibition of 133 of his paintings and 10 works by followers of his school, were loaned by private owners in Malta. Gianni's works have gained great popularity in recent years. Collectors admire the technical and creative skills and are fascinated by the historical record of Malta which these paintings provide.

A full colour illustrated hardbound catalogue raisonne entitled 'Girolamo Gianni in Malta' was published to complement the exhibition.