Art Education, Cultural Hybridity and Identity: The Malta School of Drawing under British Colonial Rule, 1800-1900

Hilary Spiteri | Art Education, Cultural Hybridity and Identity: The Malta School of Drawing under British Colonial Rule, 1800-1900 | Utrecht University, Department of History and Art History | Prof. dr. Harald Hendrix, Dr. Matthijs Jonker | October 2024 – October 2031 | h.spiteri@uu.nl

This research investigates the influence of British colonial rule on Malta’s artistic identity and art education between 1800 and 1900. It focuses on the Malta School of Drawing, examining its establishment, operation, and development within the broader context of British colonial governance in Europe and beyond during this period.

The Malta School of Drawing was instrumental in shaping the artistic ethos and cultural consciousness of a generation of Maltese artists. These individuals significantly impacted Malta’s cultural, religious, and political identities, navigating the complexities of colonial influence and local traditions.

As Malta marks the 60th anniversary of independence and continues its process of decolonization, this study underscores the importance of understanding how art and artistic education were employed by Maltese subjects on the European periphery in the nineteenth century. By engaging with these themes, the research contributes to broader discussions on the intersections of colonialism, art, and identity formation.