In this online lecture art historian and author Francesca Balzan will give us a flavour of the jewellery prevalent in Malta, from the 16th to the 18th centuries, when the Order of St John governed the Maltese islands. Not only will we be looking at stylistic development but we will also delve into the meaning of the jewellery and the context in which it was produced, the superstitions and quirks that made this jewellery so deeply personal yet reflective of society of the time.

Francesca Balzan is an art historian, author and practicing artist. She has specialised in the research and publication of the history of jewellery in Malta and has lectured extensively on the subject. She was curator of Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum from its opening to the public in 2007 until 2018 and was recently engaged in the design of a new museum. Francesca has curated several exhibitions and written catalogues and monographs to accompany them. She is visiting lecturer at the University of Malta.

This event will take place over Zoom, and live subtitles will be provided by Stagetext.

All proceeds from this talk, and others in the Treasures from the Museum of the Order of St John series, will be put towards the conservation of the books and bound manuscripts in the Museum’s internationally significant library collection.