La Valletta from Marsa Battery (1800 Siege) by J. Weir

Artist Major James Weir

Engraver F. Chesham

Date25 January 1803

Classification(s)

Art / Prints

Object TypeEngraving

Registration NumberMMM 004811

DescriptionA coloured engraving showing the city of Valletta as seen from the Marsa Battery during the Siege of 1800. A view of a fort built on both sides of a sea passage, with thick walls sloping up from the sea and smoke issuing from three points over the battlements, flying the French flag, two British ships sailing in the centre on the horizon, seen from the battlements of a British battery, where men are standing beside the canons. The print was published as the Act directs by J. Weir on 25 January 1803.

Below the print, the title of this work was inscribed. At the centre, there is the coat-of-arms of General Thomas Graham accompanied by the motto 'Candide ut Secure'.

The artist who executed this drawing was Major James Weir (1757-1820), Captain of Marines serving on the Audacious at the battle of the Nile in 1798. In 1799, Nelson promoted him to direct the Marine Corps on Malta and subsequently on Elba. Francis Chesham was a British engraver born in 1749 and died in 1806. Some other works by the artist that can be found at the Royal Academy are View of the Encampment in the Museum Garden (after Paul Sandby RA) and Roche Abbey in Yorkshire (after Paul Sandby RA).

The Siege of Malta was a blockade of the French garison in Valletta and the three cities initiated by the British in Malta, and occured between 1798 and 1800. The British effectively caused the French a great shortage of food and supplies through the blockade. An attempt was made to resupply the French garrison in 1800. Jean-Baptiste Perrée who led the supply convoy was killed by the troops led by Rear-Admiral Lord Nelson. The French surrendered on 4 September and Malta was taken by Britain.InscriptionsOn recto "This View of La Valletta, taken from the Marsa Battery during the Siege in 1800, is most humbly inscribed by Permifsion, to Brigadier General Thomas Graham, then Commanding the Allied Forces in Malta; by his humble Serv.t Major Ja.s Weir, Commandant of the Maltese Battallion". Underneath the image, left "Drawin by Major J. Weir", right "Engraved by F. Chesham", underneath the coat-of-arms "Published as the Act directs, by J.Weir, 25th Jan.y 1803".Technique

Engraving and aquatint, hand-coloured

Dimensions33.5 x 50cm (print); 48.4 x 64cm (sheet)

Alternate ID Numbers