Michael Lowell writes:

It is with great sadness that Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti heard of the passingof John Varriano, with whom it has had the privilege of collaborating.

He was professor emeritus of art history at Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, with six books and more than 50 articles to his name on subjects ranging from architecture in Baroque Italy to the literary myths of Rome, the realism of Caravaggio and the historyof gastronomy.

His last book focused on Edward Lear’s diaries of the time he spent in Malta.

John was a frequent and welcomed visitor to the Maltese islands, where he delighted all who knew him with his insightful lectures and joie de vivre.

He will be sorely missed.

The board of governors, executive committee members and staff of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and Palazzo Falson would liketo extend their condolences to John’s wife, Wendy,and family.