The International Institute of Baroque Studies has once more hosted an outstanding public lecture on a theme which sheds new light on early modern cultural history.  ‘Collections in the Baroque Age’ was the title of the lecture given by Dr Chiara Cecalupo, visiting researcher at the Institute, on Wednesday,  March 20.  A graduate of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology in Rome, Dr Cecalupo has expanded her research interest in the 17th-century archaeologist, Antonio Bosio, to include the Maltese antiquarian, Gian Francesco Abela, author of ‘Della Descrittione di Malta …’ published in 1647 and the first known Maltese collector on the island. In 1640, after a brilliant political career as Vice-Chancellor of the Order of St John, Abela left his role in order to dedicate himself to the study of the arts, and to archaeological discoveries.

In her lecture, Dr Cecalupo focussed on the Roman private collection belonging to Antonio Bosio, as described in the inventory which was compiled as part of his will, which was written in 1629.  Bosio’s collection was structured in a similar way to the grand collections of Roman noble families such as the Colonna and the Borghese.  Bosio’s inventory started with a list of gold, silver and jewels, comprising gold and silver objects, coins and medals (both modern and ancient) as well as precious stones. His library of books was next, listing printed works, manuscripts as well as archaeological objects such as inscriptions, which added prestige to such a collection.  This was followed by the Quadreria, the paintings which would cover entire walls to the ceiling, and the Mobili, furniture and furnishings among which chandeliers would be given prominence.  The erudite collector also indulged his curiosity in the natural world with a collection of ‘Cose Curiose’, a general term which encompassed naturalia such as fossils, coral and ivory, together with objects from exotic locations such as Egyptian artefacts. ‘Pezzi Antichi’ were the sixth item in the inventory, made up of archaeological fragments as well as complete pieces created in the antique manner by contemporary sculptors.   Dr Cecalupo added that noble families with gardens would have a seventh item, antique marble inscriptions affixed to walls and free-standing statues and sarcophagi, often an implicit attempt to establish historic lines with ancient Roman families.

Dr Cecalupo concluded with observations on the similarities between Bosio’s collection and that belonging to Gian Francesco Abela, which included paintings, naturalia, medals as well as curiosities such as an Egyptian mummy.  Abela’s collection was bequeathed to the Jesuits. What remains of Abela’s collection now forms part of the national collection housed at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.