School for sightseers: topographical artists in Malta 1800-50

Abstract

Exhibitions made fashionable pictures of places visited by 19th century travellers to the Levant. Malta, by then a British colony, was on their route and a quarantine station for their return. Edward Lear went on several occasions, and did over 300 drawings there. David Roberts, on his return from Egypt in 1839, spent some time in the Lazaretto and left watercolours of his quarters, as did the French artist, de Chacaton. Gifted amateurs, too, stationed on the island, or residing there for reasons of health or pleasure, painted views of their houses and gardens. Residents and visitors alike requested souvenirs of the picturesque Maltese landscape, the grand fortifications in lovely golden stone, the elegant city of Valletta, the prehistoric temples, scenes of village life, costumes, and the busy harbours. A school of Maltese scenic painters grew up in response to this demand.