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The International Institute for Baroque Studies at the University of Malta has published the 10th issue of its annual newsletter.
This issue features an article by Stephen Spiteri on ‘Scale Models and the Coastal Fortifications of Malta’.
Military engineers studied the landscape in order to make best use of the natural features of the surrounding area.
From the 16th century onwards, they carried out meticulous scientific surveying and created detailed maps and plans. An important tool was the scale model, the modello or plan relief constructed of wood, wax or stone, which was used as a visual aid.
Denis De Lucca, director of the institute, writes about the cuisine of the Baroque age, with its impressive spectacles of food presentations and dining scenarios, which became a daily routine in the palatial homes of Europe’s aristocracy.
Petra Caruana Dingli reviews a book by Frans Ciappara on the social and religious history of Qrendi in the 18th century, which explores the cultural world of this village and examines details of its inhabitants, their social and religious practices, family relationships and the topographical setting in which they lived.
Next MA in Baroque Studies in October
The newsletter also contains information on various activities organised by the Institute, including the second issue of the Journal for Baroque Studies, the Institute’s programme of public lectures, a post-graduate seminar on life, society and culture in the baroque age, recent publications and an inter-national conference on baroque military architecture to be held in October.
The International Institute for Baroque Studies is at present engaged in various research/publication activities and is also running Diploma and Master courses about the Baroque age.
The next MA in Baroque Studies course is due to start in October and offers a revised programme of studies targeted at presenting a holistic view of the multi-faceted aspects of baroque Europe with special reference to Malta.
The newsletter is available online.
www.um.edu.mt/iibs/baroqueroutes