Gio Nicola Buhagiar facts for kids

Gio Nicola Buhagiar (Maltese: Ġannikol Buhagiar, 17 May 1698 – 21 March 1752) was a talented Maltese painter. He lived during the 18th century. His art style was part of the Baroque period, which is known for its dramatic and detailed works.

About Gio Nicola Buhagiar

Gio Nicola Buhagiar was born in Żebbuġ, Malta. This happened on May 17, 1698. His father, Pasquale Buhagiar, was a stone carver. His mother, Leonora Buttigieg, came from Siġġiewi. Later, his family moved to Valletta, the capital city of Malta.

Buhagiar had his own art workshop. Another famous painter, Francesco Zahra, likely started his training there. Buhagiar and Zahra were very good friends. Zahra's early paintings looked a lot like Buhagiar's. Sometimes, it was hard to tell their art apart! Some paintings once thought to be by Zahra are now believed to be Buhagiar's. For example, The Holy Family with God the Father at the Tarxien parish church is now seen as Buhagiar's work.

Gio Nicola Buhagiar married Anna Maria Cachia. Their wedding was on February 14, 1719. They had three children together. Their names were Maria, Eleonora, and Ferdinando. Ferdinando later became a priest. Buhagiar died in Valletta on March 21, 1752. He was buried in the Carmelite Church in Valletta.

Where to Find His Art

You can find paintings by Gio Nicola Buhagiar in many churches and chapels. These are located all over the Maltese Islands. One of his paintings is Our Lady of Charity (1738). You can see it at the Żebbuġ parish church. Another work is Our Lady of the Rosary. This painting is at the Żejtun parish church.

His art can also be found in other important places. These include Saint John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta. You can also see his works in the parish churches of Cospicua, Għarb, Għaxaq, Mqabba, Naxxar, Senglea, Siġġiewi, Victoria, and Żabbar. Some of his paintings are even in the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu.