French influence on the elite in Malta

La Vie Intellectuelle Et Culturelle Des Chevaliers Français
À Malte Au Xviiie Siècle
by Carmen Depasquale
Malta University Press pp 540
ISBN: 978-99909-45-60-7

In the 18th century several Maltese were attracted to France. Some followed courses and spent time training there, others requested French naturalisation. The latter included commerçants who established their business in France and others who aspired to become chaplains of the Order of St John.

The widely spoken Italian language on the island also enabled many Maltese young men to pursue studies in Italy but in the medical field, France was on a par with Italy, if not more important.

This passage from the recently published La vie intellectuelle et culturelle des chevaliers français à Malte au XVIIIe siècle by Carmen Depasquale goes a long way to show what kind of economical and cultural opportunities several Maltese had in Malta’s respected status of a quasi-independent state before the island was turned into a colonial naval outpost.

No wonder this last century under the Knights regaled us with so many illustrious Maltese men like Nicolò Isouard, Niccolò Muscat, Count G. A. Ciantar, Joseph Barth, Agius de Soldanis and Mikiel Anton Vassalli.

In his prestigious preface, François Moureau of Sorbonne University, hails Valletta’s Biblioteca, founded by the Bailli de Tencin in the 18th century, as one of those treasures that are so visible that we tend to overlook them. The book is divided in two parts – Life in Malta in the 18th Century and The Culture and Creativity of Some Knights. The author charts the spiritual and intellectual lives of several French knights with emphasis on their education. One could consult a library at the Camerata, the Infirmary, Ricasoli, in convents and the Bishop’s palace as well as in various residences of the knights among them several French ones including de Tencin, de Fassion de Sainte-Jay and de Breteuil.

Taking a number of French knights at random, Prof. Depasquale chronicles their careers as diplomats, navy captains or administrators. But not all knights embark on this route. Received in the Order at age two, Grand Master Pinto, arrived in Malta to become a page to Grand Master Perellos when he was 11. He left the island only once to visit his mother.

Another section of the first part of this volume is dedicated to the arts. The Manoel Theatre was built in 10 months and opened its doors in January 1732, adding a star venue to the auberges which routinely put up performances. French knights were also writing on various subjects ranging from water fountains and gardens to the island’s defence.

Medical students were encouraged to study in Montpellier while nobles preferred to convalesce in France. Visitor Jean-Marie Roland de La Platière was amazed how French Valletta was with Maltese ladies vying to impress with Parisian clothes and rich houses boasting of French chefs. French knights had introduced a taste for French style and quality.

While the official language of the Order was Latin in Valletta one could hear people speaking Italian, French, Portuguese and even German. The cityfolk spoke Italian while those in the country spoke Maltese. Foreign residents and visitors alike found the Maltese language fascinating. The second part of this research deals with the writing of travelling journals, correspondence and original works of art.

This century brought on the time of the Grand Tours with several foreign travellers making trips to the Mediterranean including a number of French voyagers and savants, who laid the foundations of Malta’s early tourism. Most probably the first tourist guide to Malta was published by the Count of St Priest in 1791.

Space does not allow me to mention all the world-known personages, exciting historical episodes, descriptions and literature present during the 18th century found between these covers. Besides offering a good read La vie is also a trusted reference about the time Malta was basking on the European map of culture and the arts.

• Prof. Depasquale will be guest of the French Embassy and the Alliance Française at a talk on Maltese coursairy in French literature on Friday at Europa House, Valletta at 6 p.m. The Contre-Amiral François Bellec of the visiting Tourville will also address the audience on the Maltese connection with the French navy. Both talks will be in French.