Maritime Drawings

The Maritime Drawings collection includes plans of ships, harbour scenes, and other maritime themes. Plans often had a technical or practical purpose, such as the design of ships or harbour infrastructure. Harbour and marine views were often simply souvenirs or works of art. In 19th century Valletta, travellers looking to get a souvenir could order specific scenes on show in the botteghe of artists and printers, which could then be replicated to heart’s content.

Certain drawings are also significant because they function as source material for either ships and structures or some marine aspect of Maltese life which is lost in the present world. As a hub for trade, commerce raiding and cultural, artistic and social exchange, Malta’s marine and harbour scenes are often bustling with activity, making each drawing a storyteller in its own right.