Melchiorre (1636-67) and Lorenzo (1639-1703) Gafa were brothers born in Birgu to Marco and Veronica Gafa in the 1630s. The two became extremely famous; Lorenzo was an architect and a sculptor, while Melchiorre, a sculptor, became Malta’s most famous international artist.

Melchiorre lived in Rome, while Lorenzo spent most of his career in Malta, although he might have studied in Rome as well. The two were extremely prolific but Melchiorre’s career was cut short due to an unfortunate accident.

Around 1660, Lorenzo started to develop an interest in architectural design. He was involved in the design of the choir of the Parish Church of Zebbug, a church designed by Tommaso Dingli. Lorenzo might have studied under the talented architect Francesco Buonamici when the latter was living in Malta.

The list of churches and civil buildings by Lorenzo Gafa is a long one. Among his most notable are the main Palace of Villa Bichi, the parish church of St. Nicholas in Siggiewi, St Catherine of Alexandria in Zejtun, and the church of Our Lady of Victory in Valletta. Like Melchiorre, Lorenzo experimented with altar baroque pieces. The Italians call these macchina baroccha, because the scrolls and silver or gold-plated designs are so complex that they remind us of an engine. Lorenzo created the reredos of Santa Scolastica, and that of the Dominican church of the Annunciation in Birgu.

Melchiorre Gafa, or Cafa or Caffa, moved to Rome as an established sculptor. Melchiorre was at the right place and at the right time. When Melchiorre moved to Rome the eternal city was going through an artistic and cultural revival. Rome was home to the most important artists of the time – Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Alessandro Algardi, Francesco Borromeo and many others. Melchiorre Gafa became one of the most important sculptors in Rome, at one point even rivalling the famous Bernini.

In 1662 Melchiorre became a member of the Accademia di San Luca. By 1676 he was honoured as a principal, a title he rejected. There are many important works of art by Melchiorre Gafa. He is collected in Maltese churches and international ones and a number of Art Museums. Some of the most important artworks he did are the processional statue of St. Paul in Valletta, the Ecstasy of St. Catherine of Siena in Rome, and the New York Metropolitan Museum’s Bust of Pope Alexander VII.

Yet, perhaps, his most pioneering masterpiece is the Santa Rosa di Lima, Peru. She was the first Catholic saint from the New World and a Maltese sculptor was the first European artist to sculpt her image. More importantly, this work is an improvement over the legacy of Bernini. In fact, Gafa opened the doors for what we now call late Baroque sculpture – a truly outstanding achievement.

Melchiorre died in 1667 due to an unfortunate accident when, while working in his studio, a block of clay fell on the artist and took away his life.  Whereas his brother Lorenzo continued to enhance the island with his outstanding buildings.

References:

https://www.wga.hu/html_m/c/cafa/st_rose.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melchiorre_Caf%C3%A0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_Gaf%C3%A0

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/201957

20.01.2022