Victor Diacono (1915-2009)

It is with deep regret that I have to announce that Sculptor Victor Diacono, "The Artist who speaks in Silence" died this morning 22nd October 2009.

Victor Diacono studied at the School of Art from 1929 to 1937 under Prof. Antonio Micallef (1883-1957) and George Borg (1906-1983). In 1937 he won a six year scholarship and started his studies in Rome, under Prof. Angelo Zanelli, until 1940 when he had to return to Malta because of World War II. He continued his studies in UK from 1947 to 1950. In 1952 he married Antoinette nee' Dingli. During 1951 he started working at the Hotel Phoenicia until his retirement. He was always very active and he was continously commissioned for Bust and Head portraits. his rendering beauty in children's Head Portraits was very much appreciated. He had adopted a style of his own and all his works were always in demand being either Religious or Folkloristic. His watercolours paintings were also very lively and charming. During the period 26th May to 6th July 2007..at the age of 91... the Bank of Valletta put up his Retrospective Exhibition which proved to be a great success. Up till that time he was still young at heart and his eyes shined with delight when he was discussing his works. He was the last surviving post war artist. His work is and will remain very romantic and impressive.

To his wife Antoinette and his children and their families I offer  my condolence together with my heartfelt expression of sympathy and sorrow.  

Sunday, 15th November 2009

Appreciation - Victor Diacono

Joseph Diacono writes:

Despite all that has been written about my dad, very few people really knew him at all.

My dad literally took after his mother, who always wore a smile, was extremely calm, ready to help, deeply religious and with such a sweet sense of humour. Besides his wife whom he treasured, she was the love of my father's life.

What mattered most to him were God our Father, Jesus, The Blessed Virgin (who he had a soft spot for, always referring to her as his mother), his family, and his works of art.

Dad used his art as a form of evangelisation. He would make the sign of the cross prior to starting any of his works. Each of his works also had the miraculous medal embedded inside.

His reasoning was that in this way his works would be blessing the houses, homes and offices of those who commissioned his works of art. He managed to evangelise the world.

On retirement, my father plunged into art. His car became a mobile studio; he would stop at some scenic spot and sketch away to his hearts delight, without any care for time, or anything else for that matter.

He loved life to the full, and saw the greatness of God, especially in nature.

He had a knack of coming up with a sketch or caricature in minutes. I am sure his ex-Phoenicia colleagues will recall.

His love for the miraculous medal went with him wherever he went. He would distribute the medal to whoever he came in contact with, simply saying , "trust in the Blessed Virgin". His face used to light up whenever he recited the rosary.

One expression which he uttered over and over again was: "Jesus is an explosion of love; trust in him, he will never let you down."

He left us in his own typical way - in silence, without fuss, at peace, and very much to the surprise of the nurses, at St Vincent de Paul, who had cared for him with such dedication. That is exactly how he wanted to go, in true Diacono style.

Through your works, dad, your legacy will live on forever. We miss you terribly but take comfort in the fact that you have now started the eternal life you so prayed for.