CITTADELLA 2 was painted from Xaghra...in broad daylight! It is basically a night scene dominated by a plane of stone blocks and masses set against a velvety sky curtain.

Contorted multiple facets are selectively bathed in strong light and austere shadows, whilst a total absence of midtones adds drama to this simple landscape. The citadel is stripped down to its bare elements; thus allowing the viewer's gaze to linger on the fortifications, which are horizontally spread over three tiers. Consequently, the church and textured sky are the only features that invite the eye to wander vertically.

Keith Balzan

 

Related Paintings: CITTADELLA, MDINA