Portrait of Dr. Giuseppe Zammit (Ta' Ċejlu)

Images(2)

Portrait of Dr. Giuseppe Zammit (Ta' Ċejlu)

Artist Anonymous

Classification(s)

Art / Paintings

Object TypePortrait

Registration NumberMMM 004043

DescriptionPortrait of lawyer and merchant Giuseppe Zammit, known as ‘Ta’ Ċejlu’. Zammit is depicted on the foreground of the picture plane, seated on a red armchair, resting his right hand on a table covered with a decorative green cloth. Next to his hand, there is a book, referring to his academic background. The background receeds into a dark colour and a dark red curtain is draped on the left side of the portrait, adding an element of depth in the painting, contrasting with the empty background. In his left hand, he holds a wooden walking cane. The sitter’s frontal gaze is directed towards the viewer. The artist managed to capture Zammit’s prominence with great dignity. The painting is painted in great meticulous detail. Light from the right-side bathes Zammit’s face, creating a play with light and shade, highlighting his facial features, giving this portrait its realist nature. Zammit was involved in the construction of Albert Town, Marsa. This town was planned to serve as a residency area for new inhabitants which moved to the harbour area for job opportunities. He was also responsible for commissioning the construction of a small church in this new town, dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Grace. The church was completed by 1870, built in the Baroque revivalist manner, a style which was popularized in Malta from the late 1860s. Eventually, this church came to be known as ‘Ta’ Ċejlu’, after the benefactor himself. After WWII, this church had MV Pampas’ bell, one of the vessels involved on the MW10.InscriptionsOn verso, top, on both decorative frame and stretcher, in black ink "MMM/4043".Technique

Wood, canvas, pigments, oil, gold leaf

Dimensions133.5 x 114.9cm (framed); 107.7 x 88.4cm (unframed)

Alternate ID Numbers