View of Floriana and Valletta from Ħamrun

Alternate title

Floriana and Valletta from Via San Giuseppe

Artist Giorgio Pullicino 1779 - 1851

Date1790-1810

Classification(s)

Art / Drawings

Object TypeDrawing

Registration NumberMMM 004756

DescriptionA drawing by Giorgio Pullicino (1779-1851). This drawing serves as a good historic document in itself. The heights at Tas-Samra commanded a spectacular view of Floriana and Valletta land fronts and the Cottonera cities. Large country houses and estates then punctuated the suburb of Ħamrun spread along Strada San Giuseppe, the main road leading from Valletta to Mdina. Elements of rural life occupy the foreground of the drawing. One is able to discern important landmarks including Porte des Bombes and Sarria Church in Floriana, the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St. John’s Co-Cathedral at Valletta to name a few.

The composition follows a typical structure of Pullicino's works: the horizon is placed at the centreline, dividing the composition in two. The lower half of the drawing contrasts with the void of the sky, apart from some outline drawings of clouds. In this drawing one is able to appreciate the draughtsman interpretation of the view with its linear simplicity.Technique

Pen and ink on graphite on paper

Dimensions76.7 x 107cm (framed); 41.2 x 71.8cm (unframed)

Alternate ID Numbers