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

Artist Major James Weir

Engraver F. Chesham

Date25 January 1803

Classification(s)

Art / Prints

Object TypeEngraving

Registration NumberMMM 004812

DescriptionA coloured engraving showing the city of Valletta as seen from the battery at Ħal Għargħur during the Siege of 1800. A View of a fortified city and harbour, flying the French flag, with three British frigates on the horizon to left, three fortified islands between the mainland and the battery in the foreground, where men are digging, one holding up a skull he has found, barrels and a small shrine on the wall in front of them. 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 a coat-of-arms belonging to General Thomas Graham and 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 "The View of La Valletta, taken from the Gargur Battery during the Siege in 1800s is most humbly inscribed by Permifsion, to Brigadier General Thomas Graham, then commanding the Allied Forces in Malta; by his humble servant Major Jas. Weir, Commandant of the Maltese Battallion". Underneath the image, left "Drawn by Major J. Weir", right "Engraved by F. Chesham". Underneath the coat-of-arms "Published as the Act directs by J. Weir, 25th Jany. 1803".Technique

Engraving and aquatint, hand-coloured

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

Alternate ID Numbers