Unusual Chinese painting of Our Lady

An unusual Chinese acrylic painting of Our Lady on silk is currently on display at the Carmelite Priory in Mdina.

Contrary to the usual Caucasian representations of the Blessed Virgin, the 20th century painting portrays a Chinese Our Lady of the Scapular with delicate features and robed in bright colours, holding the baby Jesus.

This painting has been brought over from Il-Lunzjata Carmelite Retreat House in Rabat to the Carmelite Priory Museum in Mdina as part of an exhibition being held in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the titular statue of the Virgin of Mount Carmel by the Maltese sculptor Andrea Imbroll, renowned, especially in Portugal, for his ivory miniature sculptures.

Some 40 paintings of Our Lady have been sourced from Carmelite priories across the island to be brought together for this special exhibition, which was opened in time for the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrated in Mdina on July 24.

These works all evoke a sense of devotion and are vehicles of meditation – a fitting complement to the peaceful priory.

This exhibition features works executed between the 17th and 21st century. It is divided in thematic sections where the first part deals with icons representing the Mother of God combining the types of Virgin of Tenderness (Eleousa) and Guide (Hodighitria).

The second part features the Patroness and Mother of Mercy, including themes like St Joseph’s protection of the Order and Mary’s intercession for souls in purgatory.

In this part, one finds the oil on canvas of Our Lady, Patroness of the Carmelite Order from the collection of the Carmelite Priory in St Venera.

The painting combines two important visions in the Carmelite tradition: the prophet Elijah who on Mount Carmel sees Mary in a cloud rising from the sea and the scapular vision to St Simon Stock. The colour scheme and facial expressions show the influence of Francesco Zahra and Rocco Buhagiar.

Another section features the Scapular Vision which dates back to c.1612. Noteworthy of this painting is the black colour of the Scapular and St Simon’s stock garment, showing a stage in the development of the religious habit of the Order.

Other works include the Virgin Mary’s presence in the mystical experience of various Carmelite saints. In addition to the paintings, one can also view a selection of votive jewellery on display.

One way people expressed their devotion, particularly in the past, was to donate an item of jewellery to adorn the statue in remembrance of a grace received by the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The showcases include an array from the collection of 19th century jewellery, including the typically Maltese tal-Antaċċoli necklace.

The exhibition closes with a section dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Scapular, including the theme of the Virgin Mary’s intercession for souls in purgatory.

The 17th century Carmelite Priory is the only monastery in Malta that is open to regular visitors.

On permanent display one finds in the monastery’s oratory dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel a huge canvas by the bottega of the famous Mattia Preti.

Regular concerts are held in the refectory, the proceeds of which will go towards the restoration of the paintings and the breathtaking ceiling of this room which is a masterpiece of ornamentation.

The exhibition is open during regular museum hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and closes on August 15.

Fur further information visit www.carmelitepriorymuseum.com or e-mail info@carmelitepriorymuseum.com.

The priory also hosts the premises of Carmelite Institute where courses in spirituality are offered in conjunction with the Faculty of Theology at masters level. For further information on the institute e-mail carmeliteinstitute@gmail.com.