An article by Prof. Denis De Lucca, director of the University's International Institute for Baroque Studies, on the magnificent Cappella Ardente that Roman architect Romano Carapecchia designed for the funeral ceremony of the Portuguese Grand Master, Antonio Manoel de Vilhena in 1736, has been included in an acclaimed publication regarding the Italy's Baroque art and architecture, entitled Atlante Tematico del Barocco in Italia: Le Capitali della Festa.

The publication, one of the most authoritative works of its kind published in recent years, is a two-volume academic work resulting from months of close collaboration by academics from several Italian universities and baroque centres. It is edited by Prof. Marcello Fagiolo of La Sapienza University of Rome and was published in Rome in conjunction with the Accademia dei Lincei.

Prof. De Lucca's article, entitled L'effimero Maltese: La Cappella Ardente di Romano Carapecchia, also provides illustrated information on other ephemeral artifacts, also designed by Carapecchia.

In addition, the article offers an insight into similar ephemeral artifacts associated with the liturgical services of the Cathedral of Malta in Mdina, focusing on Pietro Paolo Troisi della Zecca's splendid altar of repose. This magnificent display of architectural features, painting and colour still impresses people who visit the cathedral during Holy Week - a vivid example of a baroque culture still 'alive' in the 21st century.