FIRST October 2023

ISSUE 346 OCTOBER 2023

A CAPSULE OF THE WORLD

autumn fest “Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart.”

HARUKI MURAKAMI, KAFKA ON THE SHORE

EDITORIAL “I beg you, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.”

Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

AUTUMN FEST

JOKAMIEHENOIKEUS

FINNISH JOKA (“EVERY”) + MIEHEN (“MAN'S”) + OIKEUS (“RIGHT”)

I

n Finland, the concept of the freedom to roam and its associated rights is referred to as jokamiehenoikeus (every man’s right), or the more recent gender-neutral term jokaisenoikeus (everyone’s right), in line with similar practices in other Nordic countries. The freedom to roam, represents the public’s entitlement to access specific publicly or privately owned lands, as well as lakes and rivers, for recreational and exercise purposes.

This right is alternatively known as the 'right of public access to the wilderness' or simply the ‘right to roam.’

ON THE COVER: Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France. Photography Guillaume Richard.

THIS PAGE: The Sycamore Gap Tree or Robin Hood Tree was a sycamore tree standing next to Hadrian's Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England.

The iconic tree was planted in the late 1800s (between 1860-1890) by the previous landowner, John Clayton to be a feature in the landscape.

Northumberland National Park Authority discovered the tree had been felled on the morning of 28th September, 2023. Photography Jonny Gios.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND SALES MANAGER SEAN ELLUL SELLUL@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT PUBLISHER STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL: 00356 2134 5888, WEB: WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE INSTAGRAM FIRSTMAGAZINEMALTA PRINTER PRINT-IT. FIRST IS PUBLISHED AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY. NO PART OF THE PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE PRIOR AGREEMENT OF THE PUBLISHER. FIRST MAGAZINE SINCE 1993. ISSUE NUMBER 346.

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CONTENTS

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LA DOLCE VITA. An Elevated Experience on The Royal Scotsman. Photograph © Belmond.

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THiS IS WiNE 19th chapter in this issue

EXCLUSIVE SERIES: THIS IS WINE. The Great Bitter: The Intriguing Case of Appassimento or Amarone Style Wines.

Masi’s historic Mazzano vineyard dating back to the XII century. Photograph courtesy Masi Agricola.

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31

INTERIORS. LONDON LIVING: Interiors Photographer Simon Upton Turns To London.

Photograph courtesy Vendome Press.

EXHIBITION In Search Of Line.

FPM’s Latest Exhibition. Tony Pace, Male Nude. Photoraph Lisa Attard.

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CONTENTS

PHOTOGRAPHY Photographies & Lothar Schirmer’s Glamour Collection. Jeanloup Sieff, Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, 1971. Photograph © Estate of Jeanloup Sieff, courtesy Christie’s.

CONTENTS 60 [ISSUE 346. OCTOBER 2023]

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72

Scotland In Motion.

An Elevated Experience on The Royal Scotsman.

Basque Cheesecake Tarta de Queso Creamy, Caramelized, Velvety, Crustless, Unique.

LA DOLCE VITA

DESSERTS

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76

London Living: Town & Country.

Interiors Photographer Simon Upton Turns To London.

Mental Health.

Breast Cancer Awareness.

INTERIORS

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EXHIBITION

In Search Of Line.

Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti’s Latest Exhibition.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Celebrity Portraits, Nudes, and Fashion.

Photographies & Lothar Schirmer’s Glamour Collection.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

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ICONIC ART

Claude Monet, Mark Rothko, Francis Bacon. Monumental Art at Christie’s 20th Century Evening Sale.

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GASTRONOMY The Oldest Restaurant in the World. Botín – Madrid. Photograph André Kongevold.

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48

BEAUTY

Natural Radiant All-Day Glow.

Chanel – Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder

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THIS IS WINE

The 19th Chapter in This is Wine: Its Storied Place and Taste.

The Great Bitter: The Intriguing Case of Appassimento or Amarone Style Wines.

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GASTRONOMY

The Oldest Restaurant in the World.

Restaurante Sobrino de Botín – Madrid.

ICONIC ART Monumental Art. MARK ROTHKO, Untitled (Yellow, Orange, Yellow, Light Orange).

Photograph © Christie’s Images Limited 2023.

DESSERTS Tarta de Queso. Velvety Crustless Basque Cheesecake. Photograph Ted Eytan.

LA DOLCE VITA “Trains are wonderful... To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life.”

Agatha Christie

SCOTLAND IN MOTION

AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE Combining both leisure and luxury, the Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland, stands as one of the world’s most opulent train experiences. Its carriages, adorned with rich mahogany and Edwardian elegance, exude the ambiance of a grand country estate. Comprised of intricately designed cars, the Royal Scotsman can be aptly likened to a mobile palace, offering comprehensive journeys through the Highlands. These themed journeys, ranging from two to seven nights, all embark from and return to Edinburgh Waverley station. Beyond the train, a variety of off-board activities, such as wild swimming, foraging, water rafting, whisky tastings, and castle visits, enhance the experience, allowing travellers to fully immerse themselves in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Photography courtesy Belmond.

This page: The Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland, crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct. Photograph © Belmond.

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LA DOLCE VITA

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LA DOLCE VITA

R

unning since 1985, the fabled Belmond Royal Scotsman train stands as the epitome of luxury in railway travel. With this form of travel, guests can set aside concerns about winding roads or changing hotels. Instead, they gracefully traverse by serene lakes that resemble pieces of the sky that have descended to Earth, passing by towering peaks adorned with the meandering ribbons of overflowing streams. All of this can be admired from within meticulously restored antique-style railway carriages, staffed by a diligent crew, and complemented by an onboard host who ensures passengers are well-informed and engaged throughout the journey.

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LA DOLCE VITA

This page: Breath-taking Scottish scenery seems to float by. Photograph © Belmond/ Sue Flood.

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LA DOLCE VITA

Top: Breathtaking views allow you to oak up the spirit of the Highlands.

Photograph © Belmond/ Sue Flood. Above: The mahogany-clad cars marry Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house.

Photograph © Belmond. Left: The Edwardian-style cabins, fitted with mahogany marquetry, provide a cosy yet opulent haven in which to retire. Photograph © Belmond.

B

y using major railway lines between historic towns and venturing along less-traveled tracks through breathtaking wilderness landscapes, the Belmond Royal Scotsman immerses its passengers in a unique and distinct realm. Unique themed itineraries and activities include anything from clay pigeon shooting, Highland safaris, fishing and golf, to visits to traditional whisky distilleries, local castles and grand country estates.

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LA DOLCE VITA

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he train consists of vintage-inspired carriages, which include two restaurant cars, an observation lounge, and a spa. The individual cabins are decorated in an Edwardian style, featuring marquetry and prints depicting Highland chieftains, creating a cozy yet luxurious retreat. All private cabins are equipped with an en-suite shower room, a wardrobe, a desk, and a picture window that allows passengers to savor the ever-changing Scottish landscape. In May 2024 two new Grand Suites are set to join the rake. Mirroring the look and feel of a luxury country house, the Grand Suites elevate the onboard experience by providing the ultimate setting for a cinematic Scottish escapade. The new suites will take the train’s accommodation categories to four: Grand Suites, Double, Twin and Single cabins. To enhance the nighttime experience, the train is securely parked, like a prized racehorse, beside a station platform each evening.

This page: Reflections on Loch Eil. Photograph © Belmond/ Sue Flood.

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LA DOLCE VITA

S

itting at the rear of the train is the exceptional Observation Car, the perfect place to unwind with a drink in hand. At one end the bar offers an array of drinks and over 50 whiskies, while at the other end, an exhilarating open veranda provides an ideal spot breathe in invigorating Highland air while soaking up Scotland’s stunning scenery. With an interior that resembles a spacious drawing room, adorned with sofas, cozy armchairs, and illuminated by table lamps, through the windows, Scotland’s captivating landscapes are like framed oil paintings. This is the place where guests congregate before and after meals, and where the daytime hum of the train on the tracks yields to the melodies of musicians in the evening.

Dining is a highlight of any trip, and is indeed a standout feature of the Belmond Royal Scotsman experience. The elegant wood paneling and luxurious upholstery that embellish the two dining cars, Raven and Swift, create the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience onboard. A typical morning begins with a choice of a hearty full Scottish breakfast, traditional porridge, or fresh, locally sourced fish or kippers. After an invigorating visit to one of Scotland’s renowned attractions, passengers return to the train for lunch. Depending on the season, the menu may include delectable dishes such as roast fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef with horseradish mash, or monkfish and cod casserole, followed by a summer pudding served with clotted cream. The culinary experience is thoughtfully paired with well-selected wines.

Subsequently, passengers retreat to the observation car for a post-meal digestif as the train resumes its journey, prepared for the next adventure of the day.

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LA DOLCE VITA

Facing page: Sitting at the rear of the train, the Observation Car is the perfect place to unwind. Soak up the views from the comfort of the interior or breathe in the fresh air from the exhilarating open veranda. Photograph © Belmond. Above: Elegant wood paneling and luxurious upholstery embellish the dining cars, creating the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience. Photograph © Belmond. Below: The Royal Scotsman on the line over Rannoch Moor, Perth & Kinross, Scotland. Photograph © Belmond/ David Noton Photography.

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LA DOLCE VITA

Above: Dior Spa Royal Scotsman. The spa carriage boasts two lacquered treatment rooms, styled with Christian Dior’s iconic burgundy toile de Jouy motif.

Photograph © Belmond/ Pierre Mouton for Parfums Christian Dior. Left: With an interior that resembles a spacious drawing room, the Observation Car is adorned with sofas, cozy armchairs, and illuminated by table lamps. Photograph © Belmond.

E

venings on the Belmond Royal Scotsman are grand, commencing with cocktails and canapés in the Observation Car and culminating in dinner at the Raven and Swift restaurant cars. Open seating arrangements ensure that every guest has the opportunity to dine beside different companions each night, fostering fresh and engaging conversations. On formal evenings, many passengers don traditional Highland attire, adding a touch of fun to the experience.

A journey aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman offers a unique way to explore an extraordinary place. It represents the harmonious blend of the breathtakingly dramatic and finely crafted, the seamless fusion of nature’s grandeur with human ingenuity and artistry, all encapsulated within a single train.

DIOR SPA ROYAL SCOTSMAN: HIGHLAND-INSPIRED BEAUTY RITUALS, ON THE MOVE In homage to Christian Dior’s love for Scotland – where he famously hosted his much acclaimed fashion show in 1955, the spa carriage boasts two lacquered treatment rooms, restyled with Dior’s iconic burgundy toile de Jouy motif. A cocoon of serenity on the rails, Dior Spa Royal Scotsman offers guests a tranquil space to unwind and rejuvenate as the train snakes through Scotland’s awe-inspiring peaks and dramatic valleys.

ABOUT BELMOND: Belmond has been a pioneer of luxury travel for over 45 years with a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations. Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel. Its portfolio extends across 24 countries with properties that include the illustrious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and Italian hideaways such as The Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina.

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INTERIORS

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INTERIORS A UNIQUE LOOK INTO THE HOMES OF LONDON–BASED INTERIOR DESIGNERS, ANTIQUE DEALERS, MUSICIANS, AND INFLUENCERS, REVEALED BY LEADING INTERIOR DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHER SIMON UPTON

TOWN & COUNTRY

LONDON LIVING

Following the success of his first book, New York Interiors, interiors photographer Simon Upton turns to London – a city in which he has been based for most of his working life. Exploring an incredible range of homes in this vibrant city, Upton looks behind the scenes into the private spaces of creatives and influencers.

Presented in two parts, the book begins with “Town,” which is devoted to the homes of those who live solely in London, such as grandee of interior design John Stefanidis; House & Garden’s Interior Designer of the Year 2019, Maria Speake; industrial designer and architect Tom Bartlett; fashion designer Bella Freud; model Poppy Delevingne; and antiques dealer and interior designer Adam Bray. Then, “Country” showcases those who divide their time between London and a retreat in the British countryside, which includes names such as antiques dealers Jorge Perez–Martin and David Gibson, known as Brownrigg; film director Gaby Dellal; and designer Jasper Conran. With a foreword by iconic decorator and Upton’s friend Nicky Haslam, London Living reveals a series of unique locations, each illuminated by an interview in which the owner defines their true meaning of “home.”

Photography Simon Upton, courtesy Vendome Press.

“Style is the bit that doesn’t come out of a tin. You can acquire taste and discover what is tasteful, but style is a personal statement that only works for the individual.”

NICKY HASLAM, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND SOCIALITE

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INTERIORS

B

ursting with colour, texture, and style Simon Upton‘s new book, London Living is more than a gift for the eyes.

It is a dramatic “oh my” moment, that reverberates and releases your mind to ideas on how interiors can look, feel, evolve and... vibrate with life.

“If I were to be asked whether I consider myself a town or a country person, I would have to say ‘country’, having moved to Devon from London a decade ago“, writes Simon Upton. “Prior to that, I lived and worked in London for more than thirty years and will always consider it as my base, if not necessarily my home.“ 22

INTERIORS

“T

he joy of my profession as an interiors and lifestyle photographer is the daily discovery of the unexpected and wonderful places that people call ‘home’; the variety, richness and creativity that exists in London takes my breath away, and I never lose my sense of excitement as I head off to a new location each morning.”

“In order to explore the meaning of ‘home’, the importance of which has been evident since Covid forced the world into lockdown, I decided to focus on interiors with a deeply personal feel. They range from Hackney and Spitalfields in the east, to Marylebone and Bloomsbury, Belgravia, Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill and Acton further west. Few have appeared in print before, and all have been created with love, reverence and a gloriously individual aesthetic.“

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The right powertrain for whatever drives you.

The all-new Kia Niro family.

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INTERIORS

“I

see homes as portraits of the people who live in them, whether they are owned or rented. As such, I have tried to illustrate the importance of place as well as the quintessential Englishness that is often so evident. Yet, in juxtaposition to this, London is also a fantastic melting pot of nationalities and cultures, which has a major influence on the way people live. In order to reflect this – and maintain the dynamic of each private space as it appeared when I first walked through the door – nothing has been altered in the interiors I have photographed.“

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INTERIORS

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INTERIORS

“T

he second part of this book features the homes of those people who also have houses in the country. My aim in this section was to show the similarities – themes, colours, furnishings – that tie the places together. As was the case with the London interiors, the country homes were dotted about; I went to Wales, Norfolk, Wiltshire, Cornwall and several counties in between. All were fabulous and served to compound my appreciation of the diversity of the British landscape.“ ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Simon Upton is one of the foremost names in interiors photography, with more than 25 years of published work to his credit. His work appears regularly in The World of Interiors, ELLE Decor, Vogue, Architectural Digest, and House & Garden. His first book, New York Interiors, was published in 2021 to great acclaim.

Nicky Haslam is an internationally renowned interior designer, socialite, artist, cabaret singer, book reviewer, art editor, memoirist, and literary editor. Karen Howes is an interior design writer whose books include Upton’s New York Interiors. She runs The Interior Archive, a London– based picture library and photographic agency representing some of the world’s best photographers.

LONDON LIVING: TOWN AND COUNTRY by Simon Upton. Foreword by Nicky Haslam. Edited by Karen Howes.

Published by Vendome Press. Hardcover. 320 pages.

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EXHIBITION “The line that develops freely, and in its own time; the line that goes out for a walk.”

PAUL KLEE, ARTIST

This page: Alfred Chircop (1933-2015), Mtaħleb, Signed 1991. Charcoal on paper, 44.2 x 69.1cm. The Alfred Chircop Foundation. Photography Lisa Attard.

FONDAZZJONI PATRIMONJU MALTI

IN SEARCH OF LINE

IN SEARCH OF LINE, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti's latest exhibition, in collaboration with the Victor Pasmore Gallery, tackles one of art’s broadest subjects of exploration: the line. Both on the page as well as into space and time, the line has manifested in many ways, from drawing to weaving, writing, markmaking, singing and storytelling. IN SEARCH OF LINE explores these fascinations and breaks ‘line’ down to its core elements, exploring the drive to create and represent images, meanings and emotions.

Photography courtesy Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.

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EXHIBITION

This page: Frank Portelli (1922-2004), Contours, Signed 1973. Mixed Media, 102 x 127.7cm. Private Collection. Photography Lisa Attard.

I

n the various artistic explorations of form and composition undertaken by the German-Swiss artist Paul Klee, a particular emphasis is placed on works in which the line assumes a central role. In a famous quote, Klee describes the line as “a dot that went for a walk,” underscoring its dynamic capacity to guide the observer’s gaze across paper or canvas. In the second volume of his collection of Bauhaus lessons titled ‘Infinite Natural History’, first published in 1946, Klee delves into the analogy between pictorial form and natural processes. He introduces the idea that lines within a composition adhere to a specific logic of growth and development. Additionally, he draws parallels between the organizational systems found in plants and the linear arrangements within a drawing.

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EXHIBITION

This page: Tony Pace (1930-1989), Male Nude, Unsigned. Ink on paper, 51 x 37cm. Private Collection. Photography Lisa Attard.

S

imply put, the line is the history of art’s greatest subjects of exploration. Whilst the line may present itself to be a rather ambiguous subject, reluctant to stay within the confines of the obscure classification on which we rely, it’s open nature, complexity and radical transformation have seen the often overlooked medium create an infinite number of works of art.

The line has long been a subject fascinating artists not to mention philosophers, anthropologists and people in general. Both on the page as well as into space and time, the line has manifested itself in many ways, from drawing to weaving, writing, singing and storytelling. In this exhibition Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti explores these fascinations and breaks down ‘line’ to its core elements, its essence, exploring artists‘ drive to create and represent images, meanings and emotions through line.

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Partner

FORM Valley Road, Msida W: www.kavehome.com T: 2144 6000

EXHIBITION

This page: Josef Kalleya (1898-1998), Untitled, Signed 1975. Charcoal and crayon on paper, 39 x 49cm. Private Collection.

T

he line is often a trace of a manual gesture, a trace of free expression of pure artistic thought – the expression of artists‘ ideas and impressions. Till today, artists question and challenge the line, it’s meaning and representation, it’s linearity and its culture. Through the works of local artists and collectors IN SEARCH OF LINE aims to take visitors “out for a walk“, just as Klee’s line does, to freely explore and understand the vast spectrum which is line.

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L ED IMIT ITI ED ON

MELITA Gold MALTA

2023 ISSUE

This issue is available in four denominations: 1oz-€100, 1/2oz-€50, 1/4oz-€25 and 1/10oz-€10.

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Melita coins are legal tender and classed as investment gold.

• Their price is based primarily on the spot price of gold on the international markets.

• These bullion coins are exempt from any Value Added Tax. Each coin is set in an individually numbered sealed card that certifies the coin within.

Real size illustrations Weight

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Face Value

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Year of Issue

1oz

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34mm

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1/2oz

15.55g (1/2oz)

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1.40mm

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1/4oz

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€25

1.06mm

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1/10oz

3.110g (1/10oz)

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€10

0.80mm

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EXHIBITION

This page: Luca Giordano (1634-1705), St Cecilia, Unsigned. Pen and brown ink, point of the brush and brown wash, 23.6 x 16.4cm.

Private Collection. Photography Joe P. Borg.

F

ondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti has collaborated with contemporary artists and academics, whom have been invited to engage with various aspects of the curatorial narrative, both within and outside of the exhibition space. The project is also accompanied by an exhibition catalogue which includes reflective writings on the artworks by Richard England, Vince Briffa, Michael Zammit, Matthew Attard, Giulia Privitelli and Robert Brewer Young.

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Emily Paula’s Home Masterpiece

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IN SEARCH OF LINE dives deep into the artists’ drive to create and represent images, meanings, and emotions through line. It presents a fully illustrated journey which captures the spirit of the ‘line’: creative, inquisitive, at times serious and complex, and at others surprisingly playful and straightforward.

Artists featured in this title: Willie Apap, Antonio Sciortino, Alfred Chircop, Josef Kalleya, Carmelo Mangion, Antoine Camilleri, Anton Inglott, Emvin Cremona, Victor Diacono, Esprit Barthet, Isabelle Borg, Frank Portelli, Joseph Calleja, Ġorġ Borg, Anton Agius, Gabriel Caruana, Toni Pace, Edward Pirotta, Victor Pasmore, Edward Lear, Salvatore Rosa, Luca Giordano, Mattia Preti, Agostino Carracci, Stefano della Bella, Carlo Dolci, Pier Leone Ghezzi, Gianni Secomandi, Julian Trevelyan and Mary Fedden

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YEARS of

EXHIBITION

Above: Gabriel Caruana (1929-2018), Untitled 2, Signed. Black marking on board, 35 x 12 x 1.8cm. Private Collection. Photography Peter Bartolo Parnis.

Right: Willie Apap (1918-1970), Brazillian Nude, Signed. Pen and ink on paper, 46.5 x 34.5cm. Private Collection. Photography Peter Bartolo Parnis.

T

his is an interesting first for Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, whose exhibitions usually tackle historical subjects rather than abstract concepts. In the words of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti’s creative director Michael Lowell, “the launch of IN SEARCH OF LINE, also signals the opening of the new Victor Pasmore Gallery, which has now been relocated to APS House, 275, St Paul Street.”

Victor Pasmore was a British artist who relocated to Malta in 1966 and lived on the island until his death in 1998. Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and the Victor Pasmore Gallery represent the largest collection of Pasmore’s on the island.

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EXHIBITION

This page: Victor Pasmore (1908-1998), Linear Symphony No. 3. Relief, paint and gravure on board, 122 x 122cm. Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti. Photography Lisa Attard.

ABOUT THE VICTOR PASSMORE GALLERY In 1914, APS Bank relocated its headquarters and members’ club from Palazzo Caraffa on St. Christopher Street, Valletta, to a more central location on St. Paul Street. This new edifice would later become APS House and remained the bank’s premises until it moved to Republic Street. In 2021, APS entered into a partnership with Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti to transform APS House into a cutting-edge gallery designed to house the Victor Pasmore Collection. This gallery curates a permanent collection of Pasmore’s artistic works and additionally features a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions that highlight the contributions of Malta’s most influential artists from the 20th century. Ultimately, the gallery’s mission is to research, promote, and exhibit the significant cultural heritage left by Pasmore on Malta, as well as that of his Maltese contemporaries. The Victor Pasmore Gallery forms part of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.

IN SEARCH OF LINE runs until 14th January 2024, at the VICTOR PASMORE GALLERY APS HOUSE 275 ST PAUL STREET, VALLETTA. EXHIBITION CURATOR Sarah Chircop. The Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00 (last entry 16:00); Thursday, 10:00 - 19:00 (last entry 18:00). Tickets can be purchased from the door. For more information visit www.victorpasmoregallery.com

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I have known them all my life Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Learn more on apsbank.com.mt/you APS Bank plc is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority as a Credit Institution under the Banking Act 1994 and to carry out Investment Services activities under the Investment Services Act 1994. The Bank is also registered as a Tied Insurance Intermediary under the Insurance Distribution Act 2018.

PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTOGRAPHY

“Photography gives you the opportunity to use your sensibility and everything you are to say something about and be part of the world around you. In this way, you might discover who you are, and with a little luck, you might discover something much larger than yourself.”

Peter Lindbergh, PHOTOGRAPHER

CELEBRITY PORTRAITS, NUDES, AND FASHION

PHOTOGRAPHIES & LOTHAR SCHIRMER’S GLAMOUR COLLECTION From 26 October to 9 November, Christie’s will present its Photographies Online Sale, featuring more than 130 prints by the 20th and 21st century’s major artists, such as Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Irving Penn, Peter Beard, William Klein, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Man Ray, and Constantin Brancusi. The auction is expected to bring in between 1.7 and 2.3 million euros in total. Its first section, Lothar Schirmer’s Glamour Collection, including 82 lots, is dedicated to the famed art publisher.

Photography courtesy Christie’s.

A

fter publishing more than 1,500 books dedicated to art and photography (including 386 editions still available), Schirmer/Mosel needs no introduction.

His recently-published Glamour Collection, Lothar Schirmer is dedicated to a portion of his personal collection. On the eve of Schirmer/Mosel’s 50th anniversary (in April 2024) and as his own 80th birthday draws close, Lothar Schirmer is becoming aware that his collection - the one that depicts the spirit of the times in his youth - has now reached completion.

The common thread in his collection assembled with passion over the last fifty years – is glamour. Schirmer divides the latter into three categories: celebrity portraits, erotic nudes, and fashion advertisements. The collection also includes photographic performances and the “film stills” made popular by Cindy Sherman.

Facing page: Peter LINDBERGH, Madonna, Harper’s Bazaar USA, Los Angeles, 1994. Tirage argentique, 60 x 50 cm. Estimate: 12,000-18,000€. © Peter Lindbergh Foundation, Paris.

This page: Jeanloup SIEFF, Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, 1971. Tirage argentique, 40 x 30 cm. Estimate: 10,000-15,000€. © Estate of Jeanloup Sieff.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

This page: Brigitte LACOMBE, Isabella Rossellini, NYC, 1989. Tirage argentique, 26 x 25,8 cm. Estimate: 2,000-3,000€. © Brigitte Lacombe.

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his sale will celebrate the spirit of the collection which puts the spotlight on portraits – where art styles meet artistic methods. A highlight among the portraits is Madonna by Peter Lindbergh (estimate: €12,000 - 18,000), taken during a photoshoot for Harper’s Bazaar in 1994. On the contrary of certain images in fashion photography, Peter Lindbergh celebrates the natural and authentic side of his models.

Brigitte Lacombe partakes in the same intimate and natural style in her pared-down

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portrait of Isabella Rossellini (estimate: €2,000 - 3,000).

Nudes are also a recurring theme in the Lothar Schirmer collection, as seen in the timeless, transgressive, and famous photograph of Yves Saint Laurent by Jeanloup Sieff (estimate: €10,000 - 15,000). Sitting naked before the camera lens, Yves Saint Laurent puts forward a different idea of masculinity.

Contemporary photographers like JeanBaptiste Mondino, Steven Klein, Anton Corbijn, and Nick Knight are also showcased in the collection.

“My selection of this collection stems from both private and professional motives. I practically grew up in my mother’s dressmaking studio among dress fabrics, sewing silks, and magazines of luxury and fashion: a socialisation into this trade that could not have been more familiar. It sharpened the senses, especially the eye, for elegance, opulence, and the sublime eroticism of fashion photography.” Lothar Schirmer, “On Glamour” in Schirmer/Mosel Publications, Glamour Collection: Lothar Schirmer, September 2023.

YOUR

LIFESTYLE

CENTRE

The Plaza isn't just a shopping center; it's a lifestyle destination thoughtfully designed to cater to all your needs. Whether you're seeking the latest retail trends, delectable culinary experiences, a revitalising fitness session, or a professional business environment, we have it all under one elegant roof.

So, step into our world, where the past meets the present, where shopping meets lifestyle, and where every moment is an opportunity to discover something extraordinary.

The Plaza: Your destination for retail, food, fitness, and business, where history and lifestyle converge in the heart of Sliema.

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The Plaza Shopping Centre, Bisazza Street Sliema. www.plaza-shopping.com PlazaShoppingMalta

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BEAUTY

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Chanel is distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd.

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THIS IS WINE The nineteenth chapter in This is wine: its storied place and taste.

“Fruit of the earth, work of human hands, blessed be God forever”

THE VALPOLICELLA REGION – ITALY

THE GREAT BITTER: THE INTRIGUING CASE OF APPASSIMENTO OR AMARONE STY LE WINES

This page: At Giuseppe Quintarelli, the 12-hectare domaine’s vineyards stretches along the eastern side of the Negrar valley. The grapes are stored and vinified in the estate's cellars located on the peak of the Ca Paletta hill in Cere di Negrar. Photo: Giuseppe Quintarelli path through the vineyard. Courtesy Azienda Agricola Giuseppe Quintarelli.

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VALPOLICELLA REGION veryone knows the Verona region of Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare fame as the Valpolicella production zone. However over and above the lighter styled cheaper wines based on a blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, the Veneto tradition of dry racking grapes or appassimento for upwards of 3 months after harvest has led to a rich style of winemaking to produce a Recioto dessert wine or the more famous Amarone. While the technique is ancient and was probably the preferred method in Classical times for making dessert wines two millennia ago; the popularity of Amarone is much more recent only taking off in the 1950s and reaching popularity in recent years to a point where now a Quintarelli Riserva can reach the princely sum of close to a grand for good old vintages. This is a big jump from the entry-level table wines more common in this neck of the world and a sure sign that winemaking style and search for excellence can very much determine the quality of wine made in any given region, regardless of the raw material terroir soil and climate at hand, writes Kris Bonavita.

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his has not been without upheavals.

Valpolicella’s fame as a wine-producing neighbourhood resulted in a lot of vines planted in the more fertile Padan plain, where the rich soils produced economically more attractive higher yields but weaker quality grapes, to the detriment of the labour-intensive harder terrains of the mineral, basalt and limestone-rich ancient shallow rockier soils of the hillsides of the Classico region where vines were uprooted and abandoned.

This would all turn around of course with the vision and resilience of a few traditional winemakers who recognizing the importance of difficult terroir in producing concentrated grapes with far more complex tannins; decided to stick to their qualitative guns and kept making Amaronestyle wines to their worldwide success. Indeed the growth in popularity in the modern period of Amarone has led to a resurgence of rediscovering these old terrains and replantings where by 2010 the Valpolicella zone received the DOCG designation as Italy’s highest stamp of approval (the lesser designation DOC was attained in 1968) but also as a means of maintaining that high standard in a selected geographic zone.

The appassimento method was probably first utilized to produce sweet wines, especially in warm vintages where the excess sugar was allowed to ferment into an alcoholic dessert wine known as Recioto with some residual sugars. At some point, winemakers decided to utilize the method to create a dry red wine with more concentration, rich body and structure, and staying power than hitherto possible or imagined in the normal winemaking process. Valpolicella’s penchant for cool continental weather, especially up in the higher altitude hills, meant that grapes could be left to reach a full phenolic ripeness without being attacked by mildew or rot, or compromising on the acidity and freshness so important in the balancing and age-worthiness of wines, especially when dealing with a drying process.

Grapes for Amarone are often the last to be harvested and through drying in well-ventilated stacks over the course of a few wintry months lose about a third of their weight in liquid, adding to the potency of the final wine made. The contact of the skin to the pulp in this drying period is a form

of gentle maceration also adding to the richness of the wine, while the tannins themselves go through a process of polymerisation, or complex softening of tannins, into detectable flavours and aromas. A slow process of almost cold fermentation in reductive conditions ensures the freshness and stability is maintained while capturing all the essence and flavours from the skins and desiccated pulp. While aging over a number of years in large Slavonian oak barrels creates a further layer of complexity and gentle evolution or mellowing (through micro-oxygenation) without compromising on the essential fruit, mineral and spice traits that are major elements in an Amarone flavour profile.

Amarone (direct translation: The Great Bitter) is a rich heavy-bodied high alcoholic wine with strong dark fruit cherry plum and berry flavours; a good streak of woods, spices and herbs often accompany the fruit profile, while some winemakers pride themselves in extracting more from the precise soils they are grown in to give a third element of mineral-rich facets. The quality of Amarone especially in recent years is such that they can be drunk young but have the potential to age for literally decades, gaining in complexity, softness and tertiary notes of undergrowth savoury flavours to balance the rich spicy fruit wood and nut trio of flavours. My mental note for remembering the flavour characteristics of Amarone are the ingredients of the popular American desert Rocky Road: raisins, dark chocolate, sun-dried cherries and plums, marshmallows, walnuts with a hint of cranberry, citrus rind, vanilla, cinnamon and allspice.

Amongst the rigid qualitative rules Amarone della Valpolicella has the following constraints.

The main grape used is Corvina or Corvinone (min 45%) followed by Rondinella (min 5%), Molinara and other red grape varieties in smaller quantities are also allowed. Only 65 per cent of grapes harvested can be selected for the drying process, the rest are used to make other wines.

Drying usually takes place over the course of 90 to 120 days. Fermentation between 30 and 50 days.

Wine has to be barrelled in Slavonian or French oak for a minimum of two years but producers often opt for far lengthier aging in casks for five or more years.

FOR CONSTANT REVIEWS ON WINES AVAILABLE IN MALTA AND GOZO FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM/FIRSTTHISISWINE 51

THIS IS WINE

Above: Masi Agricola is famous for its Valpolicella wines, and in particular, for its Amarone wines. The estate is owned by the Boscaini family, who named it for the Vaio de Masi valley that was a part of the original purchase. Now, Masi own vineyards across the region, including Bardolino Classico, Soave Classico DOC zones, and Valpolicella. Since the 1950s, Masi has produced single-vineyard Amarone wines, including Mazzano, named for the eponymous site. (Right) Masi's cellars are equipped for the appassimento grape-drying technique, maintaining controlled temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Photos: The Mazzano vineyard, and grapes drying for Amarone. Photography courtesy Masi Agricola.

Masi Mazzano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2013 exclusively represented by Attard and Co. Wines

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asi in the 1950’s was a pioneer in vouching for single vineyard cru wines as expressions of the specific terroir geology and climate, and this Amarone; eponymously named after its vineyard Mazzano; from the Boscaini ancient family estates is likewise a unique expression of a specific set of fields characterised by high altitude, ancient limestone and deep marls creating wines known for their austerity balanced by a rich finesse. This cuvee from all their estates, in particular, is seen as the archetypical Amarone. 14980 bottles made.

Masi Boscaini Mazzano Amarone della

Valpolicella Classico 2013 is lustre ruby red with deep plump berries; mulberry, gooseberry, elderberry; on the attack fresh fig, leather, maraschino cherries, plums laced with cedar and oak all leading to a fine tannin dusty floral and iron mineral rich chocolate and baked spice mouth wrapping tongue tingling bittersweet raptured finish.

A ton of energy, vibrant acidity, bold flavours and coloration ensure the heat is almost seamlessly in the background. In fact, the capturing complexity made me all but forget much of the shape and profile, a sure sign of a delicious wine.

With time terroir notes of purple flowers, balsam,

incense and musk animal scents, tar and anise oil, pomegranate molasses, thyme blossoms and leaves, and burnished gravy trails in the offing.

Sculptured finesse coupled with a still very youthful strength and soft weighted silky power, you get the supreme reserve and gamey aromatics from the limestone but all this is luxuriously couched in a clay sensuous generosity of indulgent fruit both fresh and mulled and a mineralised streak to peak the palette, all intricately and enigmatically interwoven such that ultimately and delightfully it's difficult to pinpoint an exacting comprehension; right how it should be.

Supplier details: Attard & Co. Wines has a good range of Amarone and Italian wines. In the Masi portfolio there is also Costasera Amarone, Costasera Amarone Classico, Costasera Amarone Riserva, Campolongo Di Torbe, and Vaio Armaron Amarone Classico.

Attard & Co. Wines, Canter House, P. Felicjan Bilocca Str., Marsa.

Tel 00356 2123 7555 (Gozo 00356 2156 4570). Web attardcowines.com 52

VALPOLICELLA REGION

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THIS IS WINE

Above: Bertani, situated in the northeastern wine-producing region of Veneto, has two wineries: one located in Valpolicella Valpantena and the other, Tenuta Novare (pictured above), positioned at the heart of Amarone and Valpolicella Classico Superiore wine production territory, with vineyards planted on slopes of mineral-rich clay and basalt soils.

The grapes for the estate's signature Amarone wines are dried naturally. Photography Colin Dutton, courtesy Bertani.

Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012 €145, exclusively represented by Mirachem

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ertani is one of the oldest houses in the Veneto region with its founder Gaetano having travelled to Burgundy in the 1850s to learn all about viticulture and winemaking. This would explain the fiercely traditional style of the house. Bertani, situated in the northeastern wine-producing region of Veneto, has two wineries: one located in Valpolicella Valpantena and the other, Tenuta Novare (pictured above), positioned at the heart of Amarone and Valpolicella Classico Superiore wine production territory, with vineyards planted on slopes of mineral-rich clay

and basalt soils. They were one of the first to offer commercially available Amarone in the 1950s. The Amarone is a blend of Corvina and Rondinella dried on racks for about 100 days before 50 days of slow fermentation and 6 years of Slavonian oak barrelling.

Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012 is damson plums, wild griotte cherries with woody tones of barnyard floor, mulched autumn leaves, and dried flowers. The attack is Burgundian in scope with finely tuned elegant tannins sleekly gliding through to a powerful kirsch-like semi-dry cherry, chicory and coffee grind finish. With time garrigue

herbs, dark spice, liquorice sticks, cranberry, peppermint, tangerine rind, savoury veal gravy notes in trail.

This is full-on secondary in profile at this stage having eaten all the oak and now gracefully welding those notes into tertiary flavours.

Interesting interpretation of the Amarone prototype showing that wine style can be far more influential than terroir itself. To me, this is the most Barolo-like of Amarones with an aromatic fragrant spectrum and delicate contours on the reserved but racy side slowly revealing its depths, but maintaining a taut energy all of its elegant own

Supplier details: Mirachem has a vast selection of Amarone and Italian wines.

Mirachem, Mira Building, Triq Kan K Pirotta, B’Kara. Tel 00356 2148 8590. Web wine.mt 54

VALPOLICELLA REGION

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THIS IS WINE

Above: Giuseppe Quintarelli, an esteemed Italian winery in the Valpolicella hills near Verona, is celebrated as one of the foremost Amarone producers. It carries the legacy of 'il Maestro del Veneto,' Giuseppe Quintarelli, who passed away in 2012. The Amarone, Recioto, and Valpolicella Classico Superiore wines are meticulously crafted from the entire vineyard, requiring multiple passes at harvest time. Quintarelli also offers an Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva, selected from the best barrels, and a rare 'Selezione Giuseppe Quintarelli' from an extraordinary barrel. Photo: Selected grapes dry for months until fermentation in well-ventilated drying chambers (appassimento method), courtesy Azienda Agricola Giuseppe Quintarelli.

Giuseppe Quintarelli Rosso del Bepi Veneto IGT 2010 €128.80, exclusively represented by Farsonsdirect

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he Bepi affectionately takes its name after the great maestro Giuseppe himself, undergoing the same process as the Amarone declassified in tougher vintages.

A blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Cab Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Croatina and Sangiovese grapes drawn from all of the vineyard on volcanic soils with extensive wracking or appassimento for 4 months prior to a painstaking slow cold fermentation and long periods in large Slavonian oak barrels. Quintarelli’s 12-hectare domaine in the heart of the Valpolicella DOC is considered, in Galloni’s words, ‘a universe unto itself’, such has Giuseppe’s influence and sheer creativity in putting the region on the world wine map. Il Maestro di Veneto, as he is known, over 60 years meticulously sought to produce wines in the traditional Veneto style of appassimento and ripasso (secondary fermentation reusing the Amarone skins) to be considered one of the greatest winemakers in

living memory.

Quintarelli’s Rosso del Bepi 2010 is strawberry fields forever; canned, poached and ripe fresh baskets. The entry is crushed and spiked berries and cherries, tomato pulp, lively high octane head rushing low pH acid spectrums. The big gnawing dilemma – does one drink or just breathe in a wine like this?

The aromatic presence is jaw-droppingly gorgeous; sweet tones of peonies and geraniums, fresh bark, ground coffee, cut grass and broad-leafed herbs, upper slope Burgundy wind brushed leaves and stems cadre here; all followed by smooth operating, fine almost undetectable, yet potent tannins of flavours nicely peaked, bang in the middle of the primary, secondary and tertiary dimensions, a full bull’s eye of old world finesse. That’s Quintarelli and here’s his Rosso; a humbling declassified Amarone for tougher vintages.

Impeccable balance and immense joie de vivre.

Bravo et encore.

Meditative afterthought: I should say everyone knows Amarone from the point of view of concentrated strength, but the real catch is capturing that intensity with an equal measure of refinement and this is where Quintarelli comes in. You get all the phenolics, bold structure, deep flavours and audacity expected of a wracked grape concentrated wine, but matching that power is a gravitydefying levitating finesse. The QPR on this is excellent; ignore the critics and go with the popular ratings. As one reviewer wrote online, the fact this is declassified is utterly laughable.

This is all about invisible soft power and critics have missed the point on a style crafted ingeniously with the trying raw materials at hand. So it’s a far cry from the portly fat fingered Amarones of now, and more in sync in cadence and bearing to the intricate filigree of a pastry chef’s lighter handed sleekly sculpted classical clarets of a bygone, almost forgotten age.

Supplier details: Farsonsdirect has a vast selection of Amarone and Italian wines. In the Giuseppe Quintarelli portfolio there is also Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva, Amarone Selezione Giuseppe Quintarelli, Recioto della Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classico Superiore, and Amabile del Cere.

Farsonsdirect, The Brewery, Mdina Road, B'Kara. Tel 00356 2381 4444. Web farsonsdirect.com 56

VALPOLICELLA REGION

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THIS IS WINE

Above: Zenato's vineyards cover 95 hectares including the S. Cristina estate in San Benedetto di Lugana; the Costalunga estate in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, home of Zenato's famous Amarone, which is home to the renowned Corvina, Rondinella and Oseleta grape varieties; and a 3.8-hectare estate in Tuscany which produces Zenato's personal interpretation of Bolgheri DOC. Sergio Zenato transformed the Costalunga estate into a meticulously managed model vineyard, employing modern and traditional methods, optimizing vine placement for maximum benefits of the sun, and ensuring well-drained soil. Photo: Vines at Tenuta Costalunga, courtesy Zenato Azienda Vitivinicola.

Zenato Amarone Classico DOC ‘Reserva Sergio Zenato’ 2016 €97.79, exclusively represented by M&Z Marketing Malta

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he Zenato winery has extensive vineyards in the Lugana and Valpolicella DOCs. This riserva is produced only in top vintages from a selection of the oldest vines of Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina around the hills of Sant’Ambrogio, undergoing 4 months of drying and 4 years Slavonian oak barrelling.

Sergio Zenato Amarone Classico Riserva 2016 is sun-dried cherries and plums, dark chocolate coated raisins and tobacco leaf,

walnuts, dates, baked apple pie spices, and marshmallows, with a molasses treacle finish.

A huge secondary profile of nicely melted woods morphing into a mulled dark fruit and nut tertiary confection with a sticky toffee pudding moreishness from start to finish.

With time Turkish delight whiffs of rose petal and orange blossom waters, purple flowers, balsamics, figs with even more tobacco and raisin overnotes to know you are in the heart of Amarone country both in terroir and wine style.

There is enough reserve to be convinced this is a stellar once-in-a-decade vintage and also enough generosity to really be a question of personal taste of when is best to be drinking this. This is a deeply focused profound wine with high peaks of detailed flavours done luxuriously and abundantly within a narrow band of serenely conservative descriptors.

Even if quite heady, extremely good value and thoroughly delicious, this 2016 is singing and will be singing for a very long time to come, so stock up and open a bottle once a decade.

Supplier details: M&Z Marketing Malta has a vast selection of Italian wines. Other highlights from the Zenato portfolio include Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella DOC, Zenato Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG, Zenato Cresasso IGT and Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella ‘Superiore’ DOC. M&Z Marketing Malta, MMGH Complex Industrial Estate, Marsa. Tel 00356 2095 9000.

See the full range of wines online www.whatsinstore.com.mt 58

VALPOLICELLA REGION

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GASTRONOMY

THE OLDEST RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD

Restaurante

Sobrino de Botín In the 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway writes: “We lunched up-stairs at Botín’s. It is one of the best restaurants in the world. We had roast young suckling pig and drank rioja alta.” A century later, you can still enjoy the same experience. More remarkably – you could also have enjoyed the experience two centuries before Heminway’s wrote about it – indeed the tradition dates back to 1725 when a Frenchman named Jean Botín founded Casa Botín, at a time when Madrid was bustling, having recently been made the capital of Spain. In 1753, it was passed into the hands of one of Jean Botín’s nephews, who renamed it Sobrino de Botín (Nephew of Botín), and today it remains the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant.

Main photography courtesy Restaurante Botín.

“We lunched up-stairs at Botín’s. It is one of the best restaurants in the world.

We had roast young suckling pig and drank rioja alta.”

Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises

This page: The oven at Botín has been burning non-stop since 1725.

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GASTRONOMY

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GASTRONOMY

Above: Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world, nestled in the heart of the Madrid of the Habsburgs at 17 Calle Cuchilleros. Photography Pablo Sanchez. Below: Botin family photo, 1887.

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n 1561, King Philip II ordered the Spanish court to be moved from Toledo to Madrid, motivated by the city’s strategic location geographical midpoint of the Iberian Peninsula, access to abundant water sources and boasting a pleasant and clean climate, and of course its proximity to the royal hunting grounds. So in 1562 Madrid became the capital of Spain, except for a brief period when King Philip III would move his court to Valladolid. The arrival of the royal court triggered a remarkable period of urban expansion and economic growth. To manage this urban development, the Junta de Policía y Ornato (Commission for Police and Urban Ornament) was founded, with the responsibility of ensuring that building facades were aligned, abrupt inclines rectified, and any architectural protrusions removed.

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GASTRONOMY

This page: By 1620, after the renovation of the Plaza Mayor, the surrounding area emerged as Madrid’s primary commercial hub, and it was here in 1725 that a French chef named Jean Botín would establish “Casa Botín”. Plaza Mayor, photography Moiz K Malik.

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GASTRONOMY

W

hile Madrid’s growth continued unabated, in 1590 the earliest records of the structure that currently houses Botín was documented. The property owner had applied for a Privilegio de exención de huéspedes (Privilege of Exemption from Lodgers). This exemption tax was paid by property owners with single or multi-story buildings who chose not to accommodate members of the royal entourage traveling to Madrid, as they did not provide lodging at the palace or in noble residences.

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GASTRONOMY

This page: Botín’s rustic interior, with wood-beamed ceilings, patterned tiled floors and walls, antique decor, and traditional Castilian furnishings offers a unique and historic atmosphere that transports you back in time.

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y 1620, after the renovation of Plaza Mayor, the area emerged as the city’s primary commercial hub, bustling with skilled tradespeople. In turn, the surrounding streets adopted names associated with the trades conducted, like Ribera de Curtidores (Tanners Bank), Plaza de Herradores (Blacksmith Plaza), and Calle Cuchilleros (Cutlery Street). It was here, in this hubbub of activity, that a French chef named Jean Botín arrived with his wife, a native of Asturias, with the intention of serving a nobleman from the Habsburg Court. With plans quickly changing, in 1725 Jean Botín established “Casa Botín” – one wonders if he ever imagined that his wood-fired oven would have been in continuous use ever since.

Indeed the Castilian-style cast iron wood burning oven has never gone cold, since it needs to be kept hot at night to be ready for roasting in the morning.

In 1753, the restaurant passed into the hands of one of Botín’s nephews, Candido Remis, who aptly renamed it Sobrino de Botín (Nephew of Botín). Nearly 250 years later Botín came under the ownership of the present-day proprietors, the González family. During this period, the restaurant was limited to the entrance and the first floor, while the wine cellar served as storage space, and the second and third floors functioned as the family’s residence. When Amparo Martín and her husband, Emilio González, assumed control, Botín remained a modest family enterprise with only seven employees, including the couple and their three children.

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Ta’ Qali, ATD4000 Tel: +356 2141 3550 • Email: info@meridiana.com.mt

www.meridiana.com.mt Meridiana Wine Estate

C O M E V IS IT US FO R A N

unforgettable experience Reservations for winery visits & tastings by email at events@meridiana.com.mt

TRADE ENQUIRIES

Wine & Spirits Merchants

Stadium Street, Gzira, GZR1301 Tel: +356 2133 0447 • Mob: +356 7909 3197 • Email: info@srausi.com

www.srausi.com

GASTRONOMY

T

he outbreak of the Spanish Civil War put a hold on the family’s plans for expanding their business, and while Amparo and her children sought refuge in the village of Segorbe in Castellon, Emilio remained in Madrid to oversee their home, which had been transformed into a dining establishment for military personnel. In the aftermath of the war and the challenging period that followed, the couple’s sons, Antonio and José, took charge of the business and, over time, transformed it into the iconic restaurant it is today, which now comprises four floors, each meticulously preserving the authentic ambiance of a classic tavern.

Nestled in the heart of the Madrid of the Habsburgs, just off Plaza Mayor, at 17 Calle Cuchilleros, Sobrino de Botín has a historic charm.

Its rustic interior, with woodbeamed ceilings, patterned floors, wall paneling, and traditional Castilian furnishings and antique decor, offers a unique atmosphere that transports you back in time.

This page: The restaurant’s signature dish, cochinillo asado, roast suckling pig from Segovia, is considered one of the best in the world, and slow-roasted in Botín’s wood-fired oven to perfection.

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CYBERCENTREMT

MAL TA’ S FOREMOST CYBERSECURI TY CONFERENCE

09_NOVEMBER MFCC_TA’ QALI TI CKETSFROM _NCCMI TA. GOV. MT/CYBERROOT

GASTRONOMY

Above: Inside the kitchen at Botín. Photography André Kongevold.

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obrino de Botín specializes in traditional Castilian cuisine with a menu that is a testament to Spain’s culinary heritage. The cochinillo asado, roast suckling pig from Segovia, is the restaurant’s signature dish, and considered one of the best in the world, slow-roasted in Botín’s woodfired oven to perfection. The use of a wood-fired oven is a hallmark of Sobrino de Botín’s cuisine, it imparts a unique flavour and tenderness to the meats – another specialty is roast lamb, from Spain’s renowned magic triangle: Sepúlveda-Aranda-Riaza.

Botín takes pride in preserving culinary traditions that have been handed down through the generations, and the methods and recipes used today are the same as those used in the past, with the same method and order of applying butter, salt, spices and

wine to the meats before being roasted.

The Guinness World Records mentions Sobrino de Botín as the oldest restaurant in the world in continuous operation. Fun facts – the artist Francisco de Goya worked at Botín as a waiter while he was waiting to be accepted to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts; and the wine cellar – which is a wonder in itself, dates from 1590 and is older than the restaurant. Today Botín is run by the third generation of the González family: Antonio, José, and Carlos, who are dedicated to tantalizing the palates of their patrons. And they have been successful in their mission – Botín continues to stand as a prime exemplar of traditional cuisine in Madrid. And if you’re a goloso, or golosina, make sure to save space for a piece of their out-of-this-world baked cheesecake.

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DESSERTS

Basque Cheesecake Tarta de Queso

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s the name implies, this dessert originates from the Basque Country in northern Spain. According to popular culture, the first Basque cheesecake was served 30 years ago at La Viña, in San Sebastián. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, this one is crustless with a beautifully burnt, caramelized exterior, and a creamy delicate interior, with a velvety texture that is rich, smooth, and almost custard-like, achieved through the specific baking process. Baked at a high temperature, the heat caramelises the top, creating the distinct burnt crust, while the interior remains creamy and unburnt. When La Viña’s Chef Santiago Rivera shared his recipe (but not secret method) it caused a worldwide sensation – these are his original ingredients. Photography Ted Eytan.

SERVES 8-10 900g cream cheese, room temperature 350g granulated sugar 6 large eggs 500ml heavy cream 1tspn vanilla extract 1tbspn all-purpose flour butter and parchment paper for cake tin 9 to 10 inch springform pan 1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease cake pan with butter and line with parchment paper, leave some overhang (at least 2 inches) on sides for easy removal.

2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until well combined and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in cream and vanilla, mix until smooth.

3. Sift flour and sprinkle evenly to batter. Beat on low speed to incorporate (roughly 15 seconds). Scrape sides and beat to a silky consistency (roughly 10 seconds).

4. Pour into prepared pan. Bake until top is very well brown/burnt and centre slightly jiggly (50-60 minutes). Remove and cool to room temperature in the pan.

The cheesecake will puff while baking and settle when cooling. Once cooled, refrigerate and chill for a few hours, or overnight, to set.

5.To serve, lift out of pan using parchment paper to pull and ease out.

Leave at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

6. May be served with a bit of berry compote on the side.

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Exclusively distributed by A.M.Mangion Ltd, T: 23976000, W: remediespharmacies.com

PROMOTION

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PROMOTION FRA MARTINO RESTAURANT

Lunching on a Sunday Afternoon For many people, Sunday is synonymous with a leisurely lunch, a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together. It's a day to slow down, when the week's worries fade into the background, and food and conversation take centre stage. Now, you can enhance this time-honoured tradition with an exciting buffet feast at Fra Martino restaurant, located at the 5-star Corinthia St George’s Bay in St Julian’s.

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undays at Fra Martino have always been a hit, thanks to their scrumptious food and attentive service. But this year, the team is taking things up a notch with an even wider range of delectable choices, including beloved classics and a few surprises. Every week, you and your family get to indulge in a feast featuring eight bountiful food stations, each serving up freshly prepared, piping-hot dishes bursting with flavour.

So, what can you look forward to?

To kick things off, indulge in Maltese and Mediterranean Antipasti, the perfect starters to ease you into your meal. And if you're a sushi lover, you're in for a treat with a fine selection crafted by a master, bringing the flavours of Japan to your plate. There are also steamy bowls of soup to enjoy, including Roasted Sweet Corn and Chilli Soup, served with thyme scones and local honey.

It's the ideal choice for a cosy autumn afternoon, warming your soul with every spoonful.

Who can resist the allure of a hearty plate of pasta? Visit the live cooking station on the restaurant floor, where the chefs will be working their magic to create your favourite homemade pasta dish using an array of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don't miss out on the spicy lamb and haloumi cheese lasagna. It's a savoury sensation.

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nd for those craving something a bit more exotic, venture over to the authentic Indian station. Here, your taste buds can enjoy a selection of curries and Asian specialities, including the Spicy Prawn Jinga Goa Curry and a mouthwatering Vegetable Biryani.

Of course, it’s not a proper Sunday lunch without a carvery and Fra Martino certainly doesn’t disappoint.

This year, there’s a succulent assortment of beautifully cooked meats to choose from, including classic beef wellington, honey-glazed leg of gammon, or tender chicken doner kebabs. But that's not all. Head to the chaffing station for more temptations, from grilled swordfish and braised pork cheeks to slow-roasted duck and even vegetarian options.

Children are also well catered for with their very own food station offering golden chicken nuggets, sizzling Cumberland sausages, homemade potato smiles, and crispy fish fingers. For a sweet ending, they can enjoy marshmallows and prettily decorated

cupcakes. Even more sweets await at the dessert stand, enough to satisfy any sweet tooth and transport you to dessert heaven.

Indulge in all this deliciousness and more, accompanied by a generous helping of Corinthia hospitality that even extends to complimentary hotel parking. Families will be delighted to know that children under five dine for free. And if Sunday doesn’t work for you, fear not. This year, Fra Martino introduces the Symphony of Flavours, a Saturday evening buffet offering plenty of tasty options to keep the whole family happy. Diners benefit from complimentary parking for an easy arrival.

For sample menus, pricing details, and to reserve your spot at Fra Martino's buffet experiences, simply visit: www.corinthia.com/st-georges-bay/restaurantsbars/fra-martino Or phone +356 2370 0000 or email framartino.stgeorges@corinthia.com 75

HEALTH & WELLBEING This October, World Mental Health Month 2023 centers around the theme 'Mental health is a universal human right,' advocating for knowledge, awareness, and actions to protect and promote the mental health of all, emphasizing its importance in overall well-being. Despite being a fundamental human right, mental health conditions affect people globally, including adolescents, impacting physical health, well-being, relationships, and livelihoods. World Mental Health Month is important because it raises awareness, reduces stigma, and promotes mental well-being, ultimately improving the lives of individuals and communities.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

EXERCISE CAN HELP PREVENT AND TREAT MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS, AND TAKING IT OUTSIDE ADDS ANOTHER BOOST TO THOSE BENEFITS Mental health problems affect one in five people every year. The Canadian Mental Health Association estimates that by the age of 40, about half of people will either have had a mental illness or will currently be dealing with one. Behavioural therapy and medications are common first options for treatment.

However, research has shown the importance of exercise in not only preventing mental illness, but also treating it. And when exercise is taken outdoors, the benefits can be even greater. Mental illnesses include depression, addictions and anxiety, as well as personality disorders. Of these, anxiety and depression are the most common, with depression being the leading cause of disability worldwide. Left untreated, these diseases can result in physical illness and premature death. My research focuses on the benefits of physical activity to prevent and manage disease, and ways to make it easier for people to be active. In December 2021, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, and exercise and spending time in nature were vital to my recovery, writes Scott Lear Professor of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University.

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xercise and activity have long been known to improve mood. A study of more than 1.2 million adults in the United States reported those who exercised had 1.5 fewer days in the past month of poor mental health. And the greatest benefits occurred in those people who exercised 45 minutes or more for three or more days per week.

But even shorter sessions can make a difference. As little as ten minutes of activity was enough to improve happiness. Over time, regular exercise can result in less likelihood for getting depression and anxiety. It also doesn’t matter what type of activity you do. Whether it’s team sports, cycling, walking, running or aerobics, all provide benefits. Even active household chores can reduce the chances for depression.

EXERCISE AS TREATMENT FOR MENTAL ILLNESS

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umerous studies indicate exercise as an effective treatment for people with existing depression and other mental illnesses. A meta-analysis revealed as little as four weeks of exercise reduced symptoms of depression in people with major depressive disorder. This is less time than it takes for most antidepressant medications to work.

While exercise is beneficial at all intensity levels, it appears higher intensity exercise may be more effective than low intensity. Strength training can also reduce symptoms in people

with depression. And a recent review of studies totalling 128,119 participants reported exercise is as effective as antidepressants for treating non-severe depression. Exercise has also been found to reduce symptoms in people with clinical anxiety and schizophrenia.

HOW EXERCISE WORKS TO IMPROVE MENTAL WELL-BEING

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xercise may improve mental wellbeing due to the release of hormones and brain function. Exercise results in the release of endorphins and endocannabinoids. Endorphins are the feelgood hormones that reduce pain or discomfort associated with activity.

Endocannabinoids work on the same system affected by marijuana, reducing pain and improving mood.

In the brain, low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a smaller hippocampus have been associated with a number of mental illnesses. BDNF is important for the growth of nerves in the brain and development of new neural connections, while the hippocampus is associated with learning, memory and mood.

Exercise can increase BDNF levels in people with depression, as well as increase hippocampus volume.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

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xercising in nature can further improve mental well-being. Rumination is a negative pattern of repetitive thinking and dwelling on things. It is associated with greater chances for mental illness, but can be reduced with a walk through a natural environment. And people who spent at least two hours in nature over the course of a week reported higher well-being compared to those who had no contact with nature.

There are a number of reasons why nature is good for us. Trees are known to give off compounds called phytoncides, which have been associated with multiple health benefits.

In addition, levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) are reduced with as little as 20 minutes spent in a park.

With all the benefits of exercise and nature on mental health, it’s important to recognize some people with a mental illness can find simple daily tasks challenging. For these people taking an antidepressant and behavioural therapy may be more suitable. But for others, exercising in nature is a simple and cost-saving activity to maintain your mental health and treat mental illnesses.

This article first appeared on The Conversation. Photography this page: Eberhard Grossgasteiger.

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Meaning in care SENIOR CARE AND SERVICES

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YEARS

ANNIV

T: 2258 4200 www.caremalta.com

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PROMOTION

PROMOTING AND PROTECTING MENTAL HEALTH AS A HUMAN RIGHT Mental Health is a basic human right – this is the theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health for the year. Society’s view of mental health is often associated with the absence of disease, something biological and physical, however, this is not always the case as there is a missing component to how society views mental health - this missing component is our mental well-being, which incorporates our inner thoughts and the way we subjectively describe or perceive how we are in our life, writes Maria Xuereb Nursing Manager, CareMalta Group.

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o have mental well-being does not imply the absence of mental illness and neither that we will not face challenges, problems, or adversity in life. Rather it is the way we respond to these challenges in the face of adversity, it is resilience, it is self-acceptance, it is a sense of independent self not reliant on others for identity or happiness, it is awareness of our unique character strengths, it is pursuing interests, it is having an active mindset (not passive), it is a never-give-up attitude, it is getting back up when faced with failure. All these components are within everyone’s reach, irrelevant of age or the presence of disease. Someone living with a mental illness can achieve mental wellbeing; likewise, someone who has neither mental nor physical illnesses could have a poor state of mental well-being. The same can be said for older adults, an ageing person can achieve mental well-being in the same way a younger adult can.

HOW CAN MENTAL WELL-BEING BE AN ODE TO THE FRAILTY AND VULNERABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH OLDER AGE AND DISABILITY?

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n its 30 years of experience in long-term care, CareMalta Group has set sails to harbour and foster person-centered care within care delivery, departing away from the medical model of care, far from the notion of physical care mindset as its primary focus. CareMalta Group’s 30thanniversary vision of embarking on quality long-term care provision is what makes the Group leaders in care. CareMalta and HILA’s commitment to achieving quality long-term care provision is not limited to providing the medical aspect of care but strives to embrace the social aspect of care by placing the residents’ quality of life at its core. Conceptualising the understanding of long-term care and focusing care on quality long-term services provision is the way forward. The shift is one that moves towards the provision of services that are not limited solely to the clinical aspect of care but to services that enable our service users to flourish and maintain mental well-being, despite the ailments associated with increasing age or disability.

We all aim to live a life that we perceive as good and is filled with health, respect, happiness, and satisfaction. Quality long-term care provision ensures that this aim is attained through services that are above and beyond receipt of medical services, including aspects within the spiritual, social, and mental well-being realms. Mental wellbeing, in itself, is a crucial aspect of overall wellness because it is closely linked to physical health and quality of life.

EMBRACING THE NOTION OF MENTAL WELL-BEING

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ur residents’ and clients’ needs, whether elders residing in one of CareMalta’s facilities or persons living with disability in one of HILA’s Homes, cannot be siphoned to mere areas of physical functioning in which the person needs assistance, such as in the activities of daily living. This concept backtracks CareMalta and HILA’s perception of person-centred care; it is indeed true that the resident and the client may need assistance with bathing, toileting, mobilising, and so on, however, care focused on just the medical aspect fails to capture the complex phenomenon of quality of life of our service user.

Quality of life can only be understood from the user’s perspective; this underlines the importance of developing long-term service provision based, not solely upon the needs, but also the wants and the inherent implications of person-centred care; thus focusing on quality.

Quality care provision should not be perceived as an end but as a notion entwined within the quality of our service user’s life.

Quality care embraces this notion of mental well-being as it influences health outcomes in all the processes of the residential experience, whether for an elderly person or a patient with a disability. One of CareMalta Group’s core values is quality which is non-negotiable.

CareMalta Group works hard to deliver excellence, strive for continuous improvement, and respond vigorously to change. Each one of us is responsible for the quality of whatever we do - thus the provision of quality long-term care is CareMalta Group’s promise in establishing mental health as a universal human right within its facilities.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

EMPHASISING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EARLY DETECTION

BREAST CANCER SCREENING AWARENESS Breast cancer screening awareness is crucial, emphasising the significance of early detection.

Regular screening, including mammograms and self-exams, can identify breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. With increased awareness, people are more likely to prioritize screenings, potentially saving lives and reducing the need for aggressive treatments.

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reast cancer, when detected early, is highly treatable, and the chances of survival significantly improve. Regular screening helps identify cancer in its initial stages, often before any noticeable symptoms develop. This early detection can lead to less aggressive treatments and better outcomes for patients. When breast cancer is identified at an advanced stage, it may require more extensive and aggressive treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Screening helps catch cancer when it is smaller and localized, reducing the need for these intensive interventions. Breast cancer screening awareness empowers people to take charge of their health and encourages women to perform breast self-exams and schedule regular mammograms, ensuring they are proactive in monitoring their breast health.

LINDA EVANGELISTA AND BREAST CANCER. In an September 2023 interview with Wall Street Journal Magazine for its Men’s Style Issue, revealed that she has had cancer twice, and underwent a double mastectomy after her first diagnosis with breast cancer five years ago. Her breast cancer was detected in 2018 during an annual mammogram. “The margins were not good, and due to other health factors, without hesitation, because I wanted to put everything behind me and not to have to deal with this, I opted for a bilateral mastectomy. Thinking I was good and set for life.

Breast cancer was not going to kill me.”

This page: Linda Evangelista attends the Fendi women’s Spring Summer 2024 fashion show in Milan this September. Photo Antonio Calanni /AP. 81

HEALTH & WELLBEING

OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF BREAST SELF-EXAMS OR SCREENING

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f you have a fear of breast selfexams or screening, overcoming this fear is crucial for maintaining your breast health. To overcome this fear you could try to talk to a healthcare professional you feel comfortable with, who can explain the screening process, address your concerns, and answer any questions you may have. Opting for a comfortable and private setting for selfexams or screenings helps to feel calmer, and having a supportive friend or family member with you during the process can also ease anxiety. If the fear is significant, small steps can help to gradually becoming more comfortable with the process, such as starting with breast selfexams, which you can do in the privacy of your own home. As you become more confident, consider scheduling a clinical breast exam or mammogram. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation can help reduce anxiety and stress during the process. Visualize a positive outcome and remind yourself of the potential benefits of early detection, to help counter negative thoughts and fears.

Talking to friends or individuals who have undergone screening can provide insights and encouragement. Many people have anxieties about medical procedures, and sharing concerns with others can be reassuring.

I AM WOMAN – HEAR ME ROAR. In July 2022, four years after her bilateral mastectomy, Linda Evangelista was diagnosed with cancer of the pectoral muscle. “They called me and they said you have cancer again, and it is cancer of the muscle. I mean, I’ve never heard of that!” she said in an interview with Fern Mallis, the award-winning creator of New York Fashion Week. In the Wall Street Journal Magazine interview Linda says that she told her doctor to “Dig a hole in my chest. I don’t want it to look pretty. I want you to excavate. I want to see a hole in my chest when you’re done. Do you understand me? I’m not dying from this.” “I have a hole” says Linda in her interview with Fern, pointing to her own chest, “and it’s freaking gorgeous!”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual global health campaign held every October to raise awareness about breast cancer. It highlights the significance of early detection and regular screenings, which can dramatically improve the prognosis for breast cancer patients. It aims to educate individuals about risk factors, symptoms, and prevention, while encouraging regular breast self-exams and mammograms. By fostering awareness and fundraising, it supports research and treatment advancements, ultimately saving lives. Pink ribbons and various events are commonly associated with this month, emphasizing solidarity and advocacy for breast cancer patients and survivors. This campaign also offers emotional support to those affected and empowers them to seek help. Additionally, it promotes solidarity and unity in the fight against breast cancer, encouraging communities to work together to reduce the impact of this widespread disease. Its efforts have contributed significantly to improved diagnosis and outcomes for those facing breast cancer.

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This page: Linda Evangelista attends the Fendi women’s Spring Summer 2024 fashion show in Milan this September. Photo Antonio Calanni /AP.

Reduce and alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment on your skin.

It’s possible.

AVE-CAN-MT-1023-2

Skin Care Tips

While undergoing cancer treatments, your skin can be more fragile, prone to bruising, and more sensitive to the sun. These effects may continue even after the end of treatment. - Be sure to apply gentle skin care products to avoid exacerbating the side effects.

Because Eau Thermale Avène takes care of the most sensitive skin types, Our products are well suited to care for your skin during this unique period of your life. Ask your pharmacist or Doctor for more advice.

• Opt for soap-free, fragrance-free gels and oils with physiological pH and high emollient capacity.

These products will respect your skin’s hydrolipidic film.

• Hot water can strip your skin of essential oils and increase dryness. Try to keep the water you use for washing at a maximum temperature of 34°C. • Dry your skin by patting gently with a soft towel, especially in sensitive areas.

• For make-up removal, it is better to use your fingers and a gel product, which is more gentle than rubbing your skin with a cotton pad.

ICONIC ART “A painting is not a picture of an experience, but is the experience.”

Mark Rothko

GOING, GOING, GONE

CHRISTIE’S 20TH CENTURY EVENING SALE

MONUMENTAL ART From Impressionism to Pop Art, Christie’s 20th Century Evening Sale, taking place live at Rockefeller Center on November 9, 2023 during the Marquee Week of Sales, will takes viewers through all the major movements of modern and post-war art. Boasting best-in-class examples by big names including Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Rene Magritte, Francis Picabia, Mark Rothko, Joan Mitchell and Andy Warhol, the exhilarating auction will be led by Monet’s rediscovered masterpiece, Le Bassin aux Nympheas, and Francis Bacon’s illustrious Figure in Motion. This is definitely an auction worth following.

Photography courtesy Christie’s Images Limited 2023.

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onet’s never-before-seen masterpiece Le Bassin Aux Nymphéas, one of the artist’s monumental canvases from his celebrated water lily series, will star as the leading highlight of Christie’s 20th Century Evening Sale taking place live at Rockefeller Center on November 9, 2023 during the Marquee Week of Sales. Modern and timeless, Le Bassin aux Nymphéas captures the dynamism and beauty of nature’s transience, exploring the ephemeral atmosphere, seasonal blooms, watery depths, and glimmering reflections of light of Monet’s famed lily pond in Giverny. This superb example has been held in the same family collection for over fifty years and is estimated to realize in excess of $65 million.

Monet’s paintings of the water lilies are now among the most highly coveted and celebrated Impressionist masterpieces of his

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oeuvre, and a Nymphéas of this scale and quality has not come to auction since a canvas in the historic May 2018 sale of The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller achieved a price of $84.7 million.

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ark Rothko’s Untitled (Yellow, Orange, Yellow, Light Orange), 1955 will also be a leading highlight of the Sale. The near seven-foot tall canvas envelops the viewer in a dramatic golden glow. Filled with rich, dynamic fields of color, this piece exemplifies the boldness and complexity of Rothko’s most successful work. The painting was in the artist’s personal collection until he passed away. It subsequently belonged to legendary 20th century collectors and art patrons, Paul and Bunny Mellon and remained in their possession for half a century. The work is estimated to achieve in the region of $45 million.

Above: CLAUDE MONET (1840-1926), Le Bassin aux Nymphéas, oil on canvas.

Painted circa 1917-1919. Estimate on request – estimated to realize in excess of $65 million.

Left: MARK ROTHKO (1903-1970), Untitled (Yellow, Orange, Yellow, Light Orange), signed and dated ‘MARK ROTHKO 1955’ (on the reverse), oil on canvas 207 x 152.5 cm. Painted in 1955.

Estimate on request, in the region of $45 million. Photography © Christie’s Images Limited 2023.

DISCOVER

A NEW WORLD OF

KNOWLEDGE

www.esplora.org.mt Villa Bighi, Kalkara, KKR 1320, Malta

SCAN ME:

ICONIC ART “My painting is not violent, it’s life that is violent. Even within the most beautiful landscape, in the trees, under the leaves, the insects are eating each other; violence is a part of life. We are born with a scream; we come into life with a scream and maybe love is a mosquito net between the fear of living and the fear of death.”

Francis Bacon

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rancis Bacon’s masterwork, Figure in Movement, will also be a leading highlight in the 20th Century Evening Sale. Standing among the great icons of Francis Bacon’s oeuvre, Figure in Movement is an extraordinary meditation on love, loss and the transience of the human condition.

Painted in 1976, it takes its place within the canon of masterworks that followed the tragic death of his beloved George Dyer in 1971. In Figure in Movement Bacon bids farewell to his lover. It is a powerful image of the traces life leaves behind, and of the forces that animate them in memory. Never before seen at auction, the painting has remained in the collection of a single private family for nearly half a century. It is estimated in the region of $50 million.

Figure in Movement is among the best works from the all-important series the artist produced following the death of his lover, George Dyer. Bacon first met George Dyer at a pub in 1963 and the pair’s relationship developed quickly.

Dyer became the artist’s muse and is the subject of some of Bacon’s most extraordinary portraits. In 1971, just days before the opening of Bacon’s retrospective at the Grand Palais in Paris, Dyer was found in the couple’s hotel room. Devastated, Bacon turned to art and the subsequent years were pivotal in his career, as he formally processed grief and loss through painting. The figure’s face fuses Dyer’s likeness with hints of Bacon’s own.

With its dark backdrop, the work is conversant with the celebrated ‘black triptychs’ Bacon produced in the immediate aftermath of Dyer’s death.

The work is simultaneously a farewell to love lost and an acknowledgement of the undeniable power of living memory.

This page: FRANCIS BACON (1909-1992), Figure in Movement, oil and dye transfer lettering on canvas.

Executed in 1976. Estimate on request, in the region of $50 million. Photography © Christie’s Images Limited 2023.

CLAUDE MONET’s Le Bassin aux Nymphéas, MARK ROTHKO’s Untitled (Yellow, Orange, Yellow, Light Orange) (page 84) and FRANCIS BACON’s Figure in Movement (this page) will be leading highlights of Christie’s 20th Century Evening Sale taking place live at Rockefeller Center on November 9, 2023 during the Marquee Week of Sales.

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