Gianni Vella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gianni Vella
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Gianni Vella and family, ca. 1920
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| Born | May 9, 1885 Cospicua, Crown Colony of Malta
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| Died | September 3, 1977 (aged 92) Buġibba, Malta
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| Nationality | Maltese |
| Education | British Academy Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma |
| Occupation | Painter |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Chretien |
| Children | 3 |
Gianni Vella (born May 9, 1885 – died September 3, 1977) was a famous Maltese artist. He studied art in Rome, Italy. Gianni Vella created many paintings for churches in Malta. He also painted landscapes, drew cartoons, and even designed a postage stamp!
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About Gianni Vella
Gianni Vella was born in Cospicua, Malta, on May 9, 1885. He started painting when he was very young. He made paintings and decorations for his hometown's Immaculate Conception feast. For seven years, he learned from an Italian artist named Attilo Palombi. During this time, he helped paint large wall murals called frescoes in different churches.
Vella's Art Education
Later, Vella worked for the education department as a drawing teacher. He also drew pictures for a book called The Story of Man in Malta. In 1907, his teacher Palombi suggested he go to Rome to study more. Gianni Vella studied at the British Academy and the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma. While in Rome, he won many awards for his paintings. His artwork was shown in several Italian cities.
Returning to Malta
Vella came back to Malta in 1912. He opened his own art studio in Valletta, the capital city. He painted many religious artworks and frescoes. You can find these in many churches and chapels across Malta. He also took on special requests to paint for private homes. Gianni Vella worked for over 50 years. He used different art materials like oil paints, watercolors, and pastels.
Other Artistic Works
In 1921, Vella entered a competition to design a postage stamp. His design was one of two chosen for the Melita issue stamps of 1922. His artwork was used on five different stamps. He also drew cartoons for a funny newspaper called Il-Ħmara. In 1927, he designed masks for the carnival celebrations. He often showed his art at the yearly exhibition held at the Trade Fair Grounds in Naxxar. In 1976, he received a gold medal from the Malta Society of Arts.
Family and Legacy
Gianni Vella married Mary Chretien. They had three children: Maria, Aldo, and Beppe. He passed away on September 3, 1977, when he was 92 years old. That same year, a TV show about his life was broadcast in Malta. In 1983, an exhibition of his artworks was held at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Gianni Vella's Artworks
One of Vella's early paintings is Villa Borghese sotto Neve. This oil painting won him an award while he was studying in Rome.
Religious Artworks
Gianni Vella created many important religious artworks. These include:
- Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Carmelite church in Birkirkara.
- Some frescoes at the St. Publius Parish Church in Floriana.
- Decorations at the main ceiling and altars of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Gozo.
You can also find Vella's works in many other churches and chapels. Some of these are:
- St Augustine and St Francis churches in Valletta.
- Parish churches in Marsa, Tarxien, Għaxaq, Safi, Gżira, Naxxar, Birkirkara, Lija, Mellieħa, Żurrieq, Qala, Nadur, Xagħra, Sannat, Munxar, and San Lawrenz.
Other Locations with Vella's Art
Some of his paintings are also displayed at St Aloysius' College in Birkirkara. You can also see his art at the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat.
