An exceptional temporary exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of Francesco Zahra’s death, will be hosted by Il-Hagar Museum in Gozo and forms part of the Victoria International Arts Festival programme.

Born in 1710, Zahra was undoubtedly a leading protagonist of mid-eighteenth century Late Baroque art in Malta. Extremely prolific, he executed works characterised by a decorative appeal and theatrical manner that anchored it in the wider stylistic spirit of the Italian settecento.

His baroque timbre spread throughout Malta and Gozo, making him perhaps the most fashionable and influential Maltese artist of his period.

Innovatively, this exhibition engages with his smaller religious work, bozzetti, and portrait paintings. It displays both well known and recently discovered paintings, and comparatively shows them alongside the work of the other important protagonists of mid-eighteenth century painting in Malta.

Curated by Professor Keith Sciberras, this exceptional event can be visited with no entrance fee from 11th of June to the 3rd of September.

In this year marking Il-Hagar’s tenth anniversary, the accompanying catalogue is published as Il-Hagar GEMS 25.

The museum said that support is acknowledged from numerous institutions, private and public. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm seven days a week and it is located in St George’s Square, Victoria.

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