Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti is offering a major exhibition of paintings by the Maltese 20th century artist Edward Caruana Dingli. Some 250 of his oil paintings and watercolours have been brought together from various collections, public and private, local and foreign, and are now adorning the State Rooms at the President’s Palace in Valletta. The display includes portraits of Maltese politicians, British governors, scholars, and prominent members of the clergy. A number of watercolours depict Maltese landscapes and villages, young beautiful women and country folk going about their daily lives. Edward Caruana Dingli (1876-1950): Portraits, Views and Folkloristic Scenes runs from 8 May to 6 June.

Edward Caruana Dingli is without a doubt one of the most admired artists of the past century. Talented, ambitious and well-connected, he became the most sought after portrait painter of his time. In 1913 he gave up his military career to fulfil his long standing ambition of becoming a professional artist. He was 37 at the time, and well-acquainted with the Maltese elite and British Government in Malta. His artistic reputation was widespread and his oeuvre unrestricted, and he received very important, perhaps even enviable commissions both locally and abroad.

When not painting portraits, Edward Caruana Dingli turned his eyes to the Maltese countryside, the coast, and village squares. Being a true romantic, he often beautified all that he painted. While not completely true to life, these paintings celebrate the essence of Malta but with a hint of idealism, in fact, many were used for the promotion of the Maltese islands at the time.

The oil paintings and watercolours on display echo this artist’s talent, ambition, and dedication. It was these qualities which saw him straight to the top. Given his voluminous output and influence on 20th century art in Malta, an exhibition of his works was long overdue. Each exhibition visitor will approach these works with his or her own bias and sensibility. Some will be intrigued by the portraits of historical social figures, others will be fascinated by his traditional scenes, or interested in the technical and aesthetic aspects of his works. Whichever the case, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti is giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy his most remarkable works, brought together for the very first time.

Patrimonju, is resuming the setting up of its lavish exhibitions, after having spent the last eight years working on the restoration of Palazzo Falson, which is now open as a historic house museum in Mdina. This is Patrimonju’s eleventh exhibition, and is open daily between 10am and 5pm (last admission 4pm) at The Palace in Valletta. A comprehensive exhibition catalogue will accompany the event. For more information visit www.patrimonju.org.