Malta’s Plague Tale: The Graphic Novel Inspired by History
In the Shadows of St. John’s Co-Cathedral: A Graphic Novel’s Unlikely Inspiration
Tucked away in the heart of Valletta, Malta’s capital city, lies the grand St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Its ornate interior, adorned with masterpieces by Caravaggio and other European masters, is a testament to the Baroque era’s opulence. But step outside its hallowed walls, and you’ll find yourself in the midst of a 16th-century epidemic, immortalized in an unlikely medium: a graphic novel.
Plague in the Streets of Valletta
In 1592, the bubonic plague swept through Malta, then a possession of the Order of St. John. The disease, carried by rats on ships, left a trail of devastation in its wake. Valletta, then a fledgling city, was no exception. The narrow streets, now bustling with life, once echoed with the cries of the afflicted and the mournful wails of the bereaved.
Malta’s Grand Master at the time, Martin Garzes, ordered the construction of a lazaretto, a hospital for the sick, on the outskirts of the city. The building, now known as the Sacra Infermeria, still stands, a silent sentinel to the plague’s grim legacy.
From History’s Shadows to the Comic Book Page
Local author and illustrator, Matthew Attard, was inspired by this dark chapter of Malta’s history to create ‘The Plague Doctor,’ a graphic novel set against the backdrop of the 1592 epidemic. “I’ve always been fascinated by Malta’s history,” says Attard, “and the plague story is one that’s often overlooked. I wanted to bring it to life in a way that’s accessible and engaging.”
The novel follows the story of Dr. Nicolas, a plague doctor navigating the streets of Valletta, tending to the sick and grappling with the horrors of the disease. Attard’s intricate illustrations, inspired by the city’s architecture and the period’s fashion, bring the story to life with a haunting beauty.
Attard’s work is a testament to Malta’s rich historical tapestry, weaving together fact and fiction to create a compelling narrative. “Malta’s history is full of these incredible stories,” he says, “and I think it’s important to tell them in new, exciting ways.”
The Plague Doctor’s Legacy
Today, ‘The Plague Doctor’ is more than just a graphic novel. It’s a reminder of Malta’s past, a testament to its resilience, and a celebration of its unique cultural heritage. It’s also a beacon for local talent, proving that Malta’s creative scene is thriving.
Attard’s work is available at local bookstores and online, and it’s gaining international recognition. It’s a reminder that Malta’s history is not just something to be preserved in museums and textbooks, but something to be celebrated, explored, and shared.
So, the next time you find yourself in Valletta, take a moment to look beyond the city’s grandeur. Peer into its shadows, and you might just catch a glimpse of the past. And who knows? You might even find inspiration for your own story.
