Ceremonial Barge of Grandmaster Vilhena by Joseph Muscat

Artist Joseph Muscat (Maltese, 1934 - 2022)

Date1980

Classification(s)

Art / Paintings

Object TypePortrait

Registration NumberMMM 003709

DescriptionA painting executed and donated by Joseph Muscat depicting the ceremonial barge with flag of Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena. The work is a 20th century (1980s) painting however it was made to look as if it was painted in the 18th century. The yellowing varnish was done on purpose to create the aged look. The barge is depicted on the foreground of the picture plane, containing two sails. The central flag depicts the coat-of-arms of Grandmaster Vilhena, while three others show the flag of the Order (on field red, white cross). One other flag is a bluish-green pennant. The background is mostly occupied by the sky, while the bottom quarter shows some mountaineous islets.
Technique

Canvas, pigments, varnish, wooden decorative frame, silver leaf, gommalacca

Dimensions50.6 x 83.6cm (framed); 41.1 x 74.4cm (unframed)

Alternate ID Numbers