Engravers of bills of health issued by the Order in Malta

Abstract

Bills of health issued by the Castellania or law courts to those embarking from Malta were reproduced as a printed form to be filled manually in large numbers, but only five have come to light so far. These were printed on a large copper plate engraved cartouche surmounted by the arms of the reigning grandmaster. Within the cartouche was a printed form to be filled with the particulars of the individual for whom the bill was issued. The engraving of these bills, and at times, modifications to the copper plate, were carried out locally by Master Giovanni Lapignani, nicknamed il Genovese, and by a certain Nicola. [excerpt]