The National Library of Malta is the proud custodian of many rare and beautiful books and manuscripts and one of its main aims is to make available some of these treasures to the general public, both local and foreign, since many of them are of international interest. Among these are a number of unique watercolours by Charles Frederick de Brocktorff, bound in two volumes.
Once it was decided to publish a study regarding these Brocktorff watercolours, the National Library of Malta found the much appreciated encouragement and support from the Maltese National Commission for Unesco.
The National Library of Malta Brocktorff collection includes 89 watercolours depicting views of Malta by Charles Frederick de Brocktorff (1775-1850), an artist of German-Danish origin who resided permanently in Malta in the first half of the 19th century. Brocktorff had fought in the Napoleonic wars as an Infantry Officer with the forces of the Electorate of Hanover before moving to England after 1809. When he settled in Malta in circa 1810, he opened an art studio in Valletta where his business prospered and his four artist sons eventually joined to continue to enrich the family enterprise.
The two albums consisting of the watercolours by Brocktorff at the National Library, were respectively catalogued as Library Manuscripts 1147 and 1161. The former, originally belonging to Governor Major General Sir Frederic Ponsonby (1827 – 1836) and collected by 1829/30, was later owned by Chevalier William Gollcher (1864 – 1956), who in 1924 donated it to the Malta Public Library. Before it was purchased for the same library in 1925/6, the latter album was once part of the possessions of Henry Benjamin Hanbury Beaufoy (1786 – 1851) who put it together by 1849. Beaufoy had bought all or part of the collection of watercolours from the famous protracted auction of 1848 when all the material contents of Stowe, the family estate of the second Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, were put on sale following his embarrassing bankruptcy.
These two collections of watercolours represent various views of Malta and some of Gozo as well as works that thematically pertain to Maltese popular culture. Brocktorff, who painted mainly for visitors and servicemen, captured whatever was interesting to foreign eyes, e.g. St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Governor’s Palace, the Auberges, the Public Library as well as magnificent views of the Grand Harbour. He also portrayed various classes of Maltese society. Indeed his works paid tribute to 19th century interest in Malta.
Ms Bernadine Scicluna, an MA graduate in History of Art, was commissioned by the National Library to research and write the first of the two-volume publication featuring five topographical views of Malta and twelve works showing Maltese traditions and occupations dating back to the first half of the 19th century. Ms Theresa Vella, Research Manager with the Institute of Conservation and Cultural Heritage, Bighi, was entrusted with the research and text of the second volume. She is now reading for a Ph.D. in History of Art in Bristol, UK. Judge Giovanni Bonello is general editor of this project.
Charles Frederick de Brocktorff: Watercolours of Malta at the National Library
Volume II
By Theresa Vella
The second and final volume of the publication discusses Brocktorff’s Valletta views. The 42 paintings depict interior views of St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Palace, the Library as well as a number of open-air views of Valletta’s buildings and gardens as well as the Grand Harbour. The author gives a stylistic analysis of the paintings, while placing them in their art historical context. Their documentary value is also discussed, as a historic viewpoint of some of the most significant historic buildings in Malta. Of particular importance are the watercolours showing the interior of the Palace that underwent major changes in the early years of the British period, in the early twentieth century and once again in the years following Malta’s Independence in 1964. The publication, which is accompanied by a set of twelve A3 full-colour prints is produced to a high standard with top-quality image reproduction. It will appeal to readers with an interest in Malta’s artistic, architectural and ethnographic heritage.
Only a few copies of the limited edition of this prestigious publication are still available. Anyone wishing to book a copy is kindly requested to call at the National Library, Valletta, as soon as possible or contact the National Library on e-mail address customercare. [email protected] and he/she will be sent an Order Form electronically. Cheques are to be made payable to the National Library of Malta.