The first of the 2025 series of Chapter Room talks will be given on 23 April, St George’s Day, by Eleanor Walker, an art historian and specialist in the art of the Italian Renaissance, and Collection Manager for Christian Levett’s private collection in Florence. She will examine why Donatello’s sculpture of Saint George is hailed as one of the early Renaissance masterpieces. Why was he favoured as a hero over images of David at the beginning of the 15th century? To celebrate this masterpiece on the saints’ name day, Eleanor Walker will explore why this sculpture is so celebrated to understand why he can be considered as the ‘original’ hero of Renaissance Florence.

All are very welcome to attend the talk and to bring guests. The talk will last c.45 minutes, questions will be welcome, and formal proceedings will be followed by a glass of wine. A voluntary donation of £10 is suggested for attendees.

About this series:

The Grand Priory’s Chapter Room talks address topics relating to Christian culture, heritage, and history, looking not only at the Order of Malta but more broadly across time, place, people and institutions. It is hoped that the exploration of cultural phenomena and the way in which the Church has influenced and engaged with them will complement the ongoing formation of Members. Understanding our Christian culture will give us more of the tools we need to understand our Faith and communicate it to others, pursuant therefore to the Order’s charism of ‘Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum”. The talks also give Members, volunteers, friends, guests, and others interested in the Order the opportunity to meet informally.