Grim Tales From 1749 Slaves’ Conspiracy Recounted in Inquisitor’s Palace New Exhibition

A new exhibition, entitled ‘Betrayal and Vengeance: The Slaves’ Conspiracy of 1749 in 19 historical drawings’, marking the 275th anniversary of the historic failed revolt, has been inaugurated at the Inquisitor’s Palace and the National Museum of Ethnography in Birgu. It runs until March 2025.

The exhibition centres around a set of contemporary nineteen numbered paintings, recently restored by Heritage Malta. The drawings illustrate the severe crack down which ensued after the failing of the famous plot, featuring intensely graphic scenes which offer a rare and unflinching look at the brutal realities of the past. Viewer discretion is advised due to the explicit content. Reports drafted at the time, sermon sheets and more recent literature on the subject supplement the display.

More than 58 news sheets exchanged between the Inquisitor and Apostolic Delegate Paolo Passionei and the Vatican between 1748 and 1751, shaped the exhibition’s narrative. Kenneth Cassar, Heritage Malta’s Senior Curator for Ethnography, explained how “banking on these correspondences, studied thoroughly by Professor William Zammit and published by Heritage Malta last year in the award-winning ‘Slavery, Treason and Blood’, and the 19 drawings in the national collection, the exhibition delves deep into the plot to unfold a story about aspirations, betrayal and high treason drawn to a halt by the might of the Hospitaller State, 275 year ago.”

Through carefully curated interpretation and cutting-edge technology, the exhibition transports its visitors to Hospitaller Malta, exploring major themes like slavery, power, betrayal, treason, capital punishment, and torture, against a socio-political background of Muslim-Catholic relations that shaped the Mediterranean for centuries. A dynamic outreach programme accompanies the exhibition. A lavishly illustrated, full colour publication, offering an easily digestible and comprehensive overview of the 45-month saga, will also be available for purchase.

At the exhibition’s inauguration, Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Noel Zammit, highlighted Heritage Malta’s commitment to creating experiences tailored to visitors’ wants and needs. He mentioned how events such as this exhibition showcase the merging of the agency’s sustained growth with its perpetual feedback collecting.’

Heritage Malta Chairman, Mr Mario Cutajar, remarked that “exhibitions that analyse historical episodes are always well received. Following up on Heritage Malta’s publication on this conspiracy, this exhibition now aids the public to understand it further through modern technology. Heritage Malta continues to strive to deliver our history most effectively, to enable deeper fathoming of our national identity today.”

The Honourable Minister Bonnici commented that “this exhibition takes an in-depth look at a dramatic and important period in the history of our country, and through it we are continuing to strengthen our commitment to boost cultural tourism. The increasing great interest for our historical heritage is showing in the increasing numbers of visitors to Heritage Malta sites. This exhibition is yet another proof of the work being done to revitalise our past and make it accessible to all. I thank all those involved who have carried out this initiative, particularly Heritage Malta’s workers.”

The exhibition will run until the 31st of March 2025. Entrance is part and parcel of the Inquisitor’s Palace and the National Museum of Ethnography experience. Persons with impaired mobility may find access to the exhibition hall challenging, given the historic building’s structural limitations. More details can be accessed here: https://heritagemalta.mt/whats-on/betrayal-and-vengeance-the-slaves-conspiracy-of-1749-in-19-historical-drawings/.