Europe

About the narrative

The ‘Europe’ narrative concerns the 16th to 18th centuries when the Order of St John governed Malta. The influx of European artists, such as Mattia Preti, introduced new styles that eventually defined Malta’s European identity. Works of art by European artists arrived on the island through the broad networks of the cosmopolitan and aristocratic Hospitaller Knights. They would influence the development of art in Malta. One of the galleries is in fact dedicated to the role of the Order and the capital city of Valletta.

The influence of European traditions in the visual and decorative arts is expressed in the reconstruction of interiors of Maltese noble houses, adorned with paintings, Maltese furniture, silverware and tableware.

The legacy of the Baroque tradition is still very strong in Malta, and the ‘Europe’ narrative is a snapshot of what can be found in the majority of churches, palaces, and old residences on the rest of the island.

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Europe Highlights

Explore popular artworks from the Europe narrative.

Great Siege Map
Europe

Great Siege Map

Giovanni Francesco Camocio (active 1552-1575)
Mystic Marriage of St Catherine of Alexandria
Europe

Mystic Marriage of St Catherine of Alexandria

Filippo Paladini (1544-1614)
Portrait of an unknown lady
Europe

Portrait of an unknown lady

Follower of Jan van Scorel (1495-1562)
Judith and Holofernes
Europe

Judith and Holofernes

Valentin de Boulogne (1591-1632)
The Risen Christ embracing the Cross
Europe

The Risen Christ embracing the Cross

Guido Reni (1575-1642)
The Charity of St Thomas of Villanova
Europe

The Charity of St Thomas of Villanova

Melchiorre Cafà (1636-1667)
The Visit
Europe

The Visit

Antoine Favray (1706-1798)