/internal/media/dispatcher/5970/fullMMM 004756View of Floriana and Valletta from ĦamrunFloriana and Valletta from Via San GiuseppeArt / Drawings1790-181017901810Giorgio PullicinoGiorgio PullicinoA 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.76.7 x 107cm (framed); 41.2 x 71.8cm (unframed)Malta Maritime MuseumMalta Maritime Museum, ArchiveFAS/D/276 (Card 16099-100)41238-9EEA.1670812920DrawingHeritage Malta622Pen and ink on graphite on paper