Public Lecture - Nicolas Cotoner: Patron & Promoter of Baroque Imagery

As part of the Heritage & History Book Fair, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is pleased to invite you to the following public lecture in English by Professor Keith Scibberras titled; Nicholas Cotoner: Patron and Promoter of Baroque Imagery. This public event is being held on Friday 13th of October at 6.30 pm at the Cantina Nicolo, Notre Dame Gate, St. Edward’s Street, Vittoriosa.

Nicholas Cotoner's magistry was a long one and lasted between 1663 and 1680. It came at a decisive moment in the story of Maltese Art and witnessed an incredible surge in the quality of artistic production. It facilitated and promoted the significant transformation of Malta’s visual culture from the sobriety and austerity of the first half of the seventeenth century to the exuberant and theatrical manner of the fully-fledged Baroque style. This lecture presents Nicholas Cotoner as an ambitious promoter of this baroque imagery. It engages primarily with the milestone artistic achievements of his Magistry, but also discusses unfortunate failures. The imagery that Cotoner promoted was one that exalted the Order of St John and, especially, his persona and the patronage patterns that emerge have clears parallels with those of the European Court. The lecture will be delivered by Professor Keith Sciberras is Head of the Department of History of Art at the University of Malta and a specialist of Baroque Art.

Professor Sciberras has published extensively on the subject of Caravaggio, Roman Baroque sculpture, and Italian Baroque painting and has contributed to numerous international research projects and exhibitions Entrance for this event is free but pre-booking is advisable to secure a seat. Bookings can be made by sending an email to gabriel@wirtartna.org