Roman Baroque Sculpture for the Knights of Malta

‘The purpose of this work is to study the mechanics of the patronage of Roman Baroque sculpture for the Knights of the Order of St John’ - Sciberras

This book does so by combining the extent of the Order’s patronage, together with the artistic and historical importance of the works commissioned. Leading period artists such as Alessandro Algardi, Ciro Ferri and Melchiorre Cafa are thoroughly examined and new attributions are made. Moreover, Sciberras’ research sheds light on the lesser known aspects of the liaisons between Malta and Rome on this matter, answering questions such as, who took care of the Order’s artistic affairs in Rome, and how did the works of art travel to Malta?

The book divides the sculptural works of art into three categories: The glorification of the Order’s patron St John the Baptist, the funerary monuments of the Grand Masters, and the service and adoration of the Eucharist. Roman Baroque Sculpture for the Knights of Malta is an outstanding work of intense research, providing the reader with new, detailed information.  It is also a tribute to Malta’s most magnificent artistic period and to the Order that made it possible.

CONTENTS

Background and Context to Roman Baroque Sculpture for Malta

The Mechanics of the Order’s Roman Patronage

In Honorem Sancti Joannes Baptistae – Projects for the Patron Saint

In Memoria Principis  - ‘Dying Well’ Through the Late Baroque

Ad Laudem Dei – Baroque Art for the Cult of the Eucharist

Notes and References

Appendix

Bibliography

Archives