Roaming around the narrow and winding roads of Mdina, one can only try to imagine the grandeur and treasures locked within the imposing walls of its palaces.
As of tomorrow, however, the odd curious cat can venture inside one of these palaces and admire its architecture if nothing else. Yet Palazzo Mangion, found in Holy Cross Street, and dating to the 16th century, is the venue for an extensive auction of items featuring some impressive pieces of furniture, paintings, sculptures, decorative objects, books and antiques. The palace itself has one of the largest piano nobiles and drawing rooms in Mdina.
The auction will last a week, with three days of viewing and five days of sales, during which as many as 1,300 items gathered from a number of different private collections will be auctioned off.
Joseph Sammut, who will be conducting the auction says that “the assembled collection is striking for the paintings present while the 18th century furniture are of notable quality. The paintings by Alberto Pullicino (1715-1759) showing three views of Malta in the mid-18th century dominate the Malta paintings section, while the painting by Abraham Breughel of A Youthful Figure of a Woman formerly in the collection of Count Messina is said to be one of the most important and decorative paintings in Malta. The 17th century armoire and coffers, the French period furniture and the Perellos period bureau and table lead the furniture section.”
Among the more prestigious works of art going under the hammer are works by Stefano Erardi, Giuseppe Schranz, Girolamo Gianni, Luigi Maria Galea, Giuseppe Calì, Antoine Favray, Giuseppe Pace, Giuseppe D’Arena, Edward Caruana Dingli, Francesco Zimelli and Amadeo Preziosi.
There are a number of religious artefacts in the collection, including a tabernacle, altar sticks; silver implements; framed relics and crucifixes dating from different decades and periods in art history.
The decorative arts are also very well represented in this auction, and visitors will have the opportunity of viewing many glass, ceramic, silver and porcelain items, as well as figurines, statuettes, fans and more still.
The auction itself will be conducted between Tuesday and Saturday, March 13. The books featured in the collection, however, will be auctioned separately on March 15 and 16. Viewing opening hours tomorrow, Sunday and Monday are between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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Visual Arts
Ends today
Ideal and Sublime
An exhibition of paintings by Joseph Muscat and Leslie S. Agius is showing at Palazzo Castellania, 15, Merchants Street, Valletta. The exhibition is open between 8.30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Ends today
Journey with Caravaggio
Bulgarian artist Daniela Guevska is exhibiting a series of works at the Auberge d’Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta, inspired by Caravaggio commemorating the 400th anniversary since his death.
Till March 11
10 Years of Art
George Farrugia is exhibiting a series of works executed over the past decade at the Art Academy Gallery, 131, Constitution Street, Mosta.
Till March 12
For the Love of Art
A collective exhibition of unique art pieces, including oil paintings, sculptures, mixed media and photography, from prominent local and international artists is showing at Opus 64 Galerie, Tigné Street, Sliema.
Till March 14
Upon Arrival: Spatial Exploration
This exhibition by Austrian artists investigates architectural and social spaces. Curated by Margit Neuhold, works by Veronika Hauer, Nikola Hansalik, Nicole Six and Paul Petritsch, Andreas Heller, Sabine Bitter and Helmut Weber, Michael Gumhold and Gerald Straub. Showing at the upper galleries, St James Cavalier, Valletta.
Till March 21
Fragments of Tibet
A photographic exhibition by Aaron Micallef is being held at the Malta Maritime Museum, Vittoriosa. This event promotes Tibetan art and culture through 38 photographic exhibits and seven rare thangka paintings.
Till March 21
Contemporary Districts#2: Tel Aviv
Photographer Giovanni De Angelis presents Tel Aviv from the great metropolis of contradictions as the city celebrates its 100 years of political and religious upheaval. Showing at the main hall of St James Cavalier, Valletta.
Till March 31
Cosmic Art
An exhibition of works by artists Lilika Papanicolaou and “Turo” Arthur Rizzo is currently showing at Assaggi Restaurant, Qaliet Street, St Julians.
Till April 4
Dreams and Visions
An exhibition of painted ceramics by Vincent Camilleri is showing at the Heritage Malta head office, Valletta. Open Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. (Last admission at 4 p.m.)
Performing Arts
Today, tomorrow and Sunday
Horizons +PIC
Contact Dance Company is celebrating its 10th anniversary by performing dance extracts from their vast repertoire and the premiere of two new works. There will also be an exhibition by photographers and painters that have worked with Contact Dance Company over the years. Showing at MITP, St Christopher Street, Valletta at 7.30 p.m.
Music/Concerts
March 7
Met Opera Matinée
Presenting Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss. The Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series live in high definition with English subtitles, showing at St James Cavalier, Valletta at 2.45 p.m.
March 8
Elisir d’Amore
An opera in two acts by Gaetano Donizetti will take place at Le Meridien Hotel, St Julians at 6.30 p.m. The concert has been organised by the Malta Cultural Institute.
Talks, tours and other
March 7
Cultural tour
The next in this series of tours will visit Floriana and Valletta focusing on Sir Temi Zammit laboratory and the underground prison cells of Palazzo Castellania, St Andrew’s Scots Church, the Archbishop’s Curia, Milorda Gardens and the Knights of St John (Embassy of the Order in Malta). Organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts the meeting places for the cultural tours are Floriana (next to the Independence monument) and Sliema (opposite the Church of the Nazarene) at 8.45 a.m. For further information contact Noel Damato on 2123 2515 or 2124 5168.
March 7
In Guardia parade
A historical re-enactment organised by the Malta Tourism Authority will take place at Fort St Elmo at 11 a.m.
March 7
The Ogee Arch in Maltese Architecture
Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, Mdina in conjunction with the Department of History of Art of the University of Malta, is organising a cycle of Sunday morning lectures featuring aspects of mediaeval art and architecture of the Maltese islands. The first lecture will be delivered by Charlene Vella at 10.30 a.m.
March 11
Nibbles at History – Inaccuracies and Propaganda
A lecture by Nicholas de Piro is being organised by Din l-Art Ħelwa at 133, Melita Street, Valletta at 6 p.m. Marquis de Piro will focus on tales taken from history books revealing that these were often written with hidden agendas. Admission is free of charge but donations to Din l-Art Ħelwa’s restoration programmes will be greatly appreciated.
Useful contacts
St James Cavalier
Tel.: 2122 3200
info@sjcav.org
www.sjcav.org
Manoel Theatre
Tel: 2124 6389
bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt
www.manoeltheatre.com.mt
Mediterranean Conference Centre
Tel.: 2559 5750/1
bookings@mcc.com.mt
www.mcc.com.mt