This year marks 150 years since the birth of Edward Caruana Dingli (1876–1950), one of Malta’s most influential artists. Born in Valletta on 10th August 1876, his career reflects a remarkable journey from military service to becoming Malta’s leading portrait painter during the first half of the twentieth century. Drawing on a carefully curated selection of works from the National Collection, this exhibition moves beyond his celebrated portraits to reveal the full diversity of his practice and his lasting contribution to Maltese art.

At its heart is the dialogue between Caruana Dingli’s formal portraiture, depicting politicians, members of the clergy, professionals and prominent families, and his folkloristic paintings: scenes of village life, religious feasts, markets and the countryside, including iconic works such as The Lady with the Black Hen and The Boschetto Fair. While his portraits follow a refined academic approach, his folkloristic paintings reveal a freer, more painterly style, rich in texture and colour, capturing a Malta that has since changed. A respected teacher at the Government School of Art, Caruana Dingli also influenced a generation of Maltese artists, including Willie Apap, Anton Inglott, Emvin Cremona and Esprit Barthet. This anniversary exhibition is both a tribute and a fresh perspective on his legacy, offering visitors old and new the chance to experience the artistic tastes and everyday life of Malta a century ago.