/library/oar/handle/123456789/15952 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:43:52 GMT 2026-08-12T07:43:52Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/101823 Title: The bronze monument to Grand Master Anton Manoel de Vilhena : an historical and physical analysis Abstract: This study aims to trace the history of the monument representing Grand Master Anton Manuel de Vilhena - currently situated in Floriana, and the historical context in which it was created. The model of the Vilhena monument is attributed to Pietro Paolo Troisi and the bronze figure was cast by Aloisio Bouchut. A visual analysis of the monument outlying the sources that determined its final appearance will be carried out. Through a study of the personages involved in the creation of the said monument the study aims to add to the discussion regarding some main factors pertaining to the monument mainly: I. The identity of the artist who modelled the figure of Vilhena, subsequently cast in bronze. II. The motivations of the person who commissioned the monument. III. His influence on the final appearance of the monument. IV. The Grand Master's reaction to it. Issues such as the technical details of bronze casting, changes in location of the monument, and restoration interventions are also illustrated. The research in based on research in archival sources and wide reading in secondary sources. Description: DIP.BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/101823 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/101820 Title: The importance of documentation and the conservation of St Mary Magdalene church, Valletta Abstract: A historic building is a symbol of our cultural identity, it tells us about who we are and about the past that has formed us and our environment. It is irreplaceable and precious to us and to future generations. This may be said of St Mary Magdalene Church, Merchants Street Valletta; the church, which is a fine example of baroque architecture, is unfortunately very much neglected and in need of conservation. All stone monuments are affected by the forces of nature, general wear and tear and possible alterations which may result in their irretrievable loss. St Mary Magdalene Church is no exception. A look at the facade quickly reveals that we ought to stop the process of decline if we are to preserve the church. Moreover the fact that the church has not been maintained for a number of years coupled with the fact that it is presently being used as a work shop to build and house carnival floats, makes its conservation all the more urgently required. The scope of this study is twofold: to highlight the importance of thorough investigations about a building before any conservation work is attempted; and then to carry out some initial studies in relation to St Mary Magdalene Church in order to emphasis the need of conservation for this church. By way of introduction, in chapter 1, I consider the history of conservation and the need of documentation as the initial phase of any conservation project as required by various international standards. In chapter 2, I briefly describe some of the more important methods of documentation. Chapter 3 is dedicated to the historical documentation. Chapter 4 focuses on an architectural description of the church and includes my findings and observations. This is followed by the conclusion. Description: DIP.BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/101820 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/100904 Title: Couvre porte : a study of a baroque entrance way into a fortified city Abstract: The City of Birgu or, as later renamed after the Great Siege of 1565, 'Citta Vittoriosa', lies on the south coast of Malta, dominating a strategic promontory within the Grand Harbour facing the Capital City Valletta to its north. Together with its neighbouring cities of Senglea and Cospicua, Birgu is enclosed by several lines of fortification, lines with a unique three entrance gate system into the city. These strongholds are collectively referred as the 'Three Cities'. The origins of Birgu date back to over 3,500 years ago, but it only reached its peak and prosperity during the time of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. Birgu was the first fortified city built by the Knights, endower of an early medieval layout village. It was established as the first maritime city of Malta and prospered in its early stages. During the Great Siege of 1565, Birgu contributed to the final victory against the Ottoman Turks, and hence earned its title as 'Citta Vittoriosa '. After the construction of the new capital city Valletta on the strategic peninsula of Mount Xiberras, although it lost the governing establishments inside its fortified walls, Birgu, still prospered as an important maritime city and continued exercising this role for many years to follow. The subject is vast and it was considered best not to tackle all the fortifications of Birgu. Within the limited time and resources available, I have therefore limited myself and directed my efforts primary to view the historical preservation issues and the physical aspects of the Couvre Porte Gates and their surrounding land ward fortification area. Description: DIP.BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/100904 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/100830 Title: Valletta's balconies and their saljaturi Abstract: Architecture is definitely one of the most powerful forms of art; buildings have the ability to loom in the distance when seen from afar. However many of Valletta's buildings are underestimate, even though hundreds of people visit Malta's capital city daily, little attention is given to the fine architecture in the streets they're passing through. This may be due to fast paced lives and narrow streets with high-rise buildings. But as you raise your head a new world appears and minute details such as stone quality, texture and the ornate detailing become apparent. Whether one turns to the left or right, looks up or down, detailed architecture and ornaments are constantly presented to the viewer who stands amidst. This quality is unique to architecture as it is the only form of art to totally surrounds its viewer with such magnitude. One of the most beautiful facade's ornaments are the corbels, these are used in many ways in architecture but in my dissertation I will study the corbels supporting the balconies of Valletta; the saljaturi. I will discuss their historical background from their initial appearance to how these evolved throughout the years. This will include the structural use of such corbels in relation to the balconies, their aesthetic value and the symbolism conveyed through highly ornamental details. I will also try to evaluate what are the main causes for their deterioration. This research will also be backed up by photographic documentation. Description: DIP.BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/100830 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z