Remembering Joseph Briffa (2)

I wish to thank Mr Roberto Buontempo for unveiling Joseph Briffa, the hidden treasure. We often praise foreigners and brush aside our fellow Maltese.

Mr Buontempo gave a background of Briffa's life and works - such articles help and encourage youngsters, especially, who are studying art.

When the Gozo Augustinians were preparing for the centenary celebrations of the death of St Augustine, they commissioned Joseph Briffa to restore their church.

Briffa thought that instead of the balconies on either side of the main altar, two big lateral paintings would be more fitting. He painted one representing St Augustine giving his rule to various religious orders, among whom the Knights of Malta. The other represents his Baptism. He is among the personalities in this painting. The evangelists are painted over these pictures on either side of the windows.  

Instead of paintings, Briffa decided on decorations for the ceiling of the naive, which is barrel-shaped. Over the main altar putti hold medallions representing saints of the order.

All these paintings and decorations still exist; they were restored a couple of years ago.