A very rare siege map is one of the attractions in a collection of maps of the Maltese Islands included in the March auction at Belgravia Auction Gallery, St Julian's. The map is by Palombi and dates to 1565. It shows the Turkish fleet surrounding the Islands with several battalions on land, some vessels in Marsamxetto and some galleys leaving armata Turchescha che fugge.
Two dated pen drawings and wash on paper depict episodes from the accomplishments of the navy of the Order of St John: Prima Uscita della Squadra de Vascelli, is dated April 1705, and its pair is of a victory over a Turkish vessel on 13 May 1723.
Two views of Valletta by Giorgio Pullicino are painted on canvas: in one, the statue of Neptune is shown at the Fish Market with traders, while an unusual view of Valletta is painted from Fort Tigne and shows Fort Manoel and Valletta. Among the fine examples of Maltese furniture are an early 18th century chest with lace work inlay from the Vilhena period and an even earlier large imposing display cabinet, possibly from the late 17th century. A previously unseen self-portrait of Willie Apap shows the artist looking left. Edward Caruana Dingli painted Olga Galea Naudi often and one of the most impressive renditions of her shown with light streaming through her golden hair will be put up on Saturday, 28 March. A rare signed watercolour by Count Saverio Marchese shows an array of scattered 18th century prints and is dated 1785.
The 1,000+ lots, all sourced from local private collections, will be sold over five days starting 24 March.
The full catalogue is available at www.belgraviaauctions.com