Giuseppe Hyzler

Giuseppe Hyzler was a Maltese painter of German descent who was part of the Nazarene movement. He received a scholarship from the Governor of Malta, Sir Thomas Maitland, in 1814 to continue his artistic studies in Rome. There, Hyzler became involved with the Nazarene movement led by Friedrich Overbeck, with whom his brother, Vincenzo Hyzler, had developed a close connection. The Nazarenes lived communally near Rome, distinguished by their black garments and long hair, and regarded sacred art as the highest form of cultural expression, particularly 14th-15th century frescoes. He returned to Malta in 1823, receiving numerous commissions and training other artists in the Nazarene tradition. By the mid-19th century, he was considered one of Malta's most accomplished painters.