Before and after! Two Anton Schranz paintings of Valletta’s Grand Harbour restored to former glory
A different perspective of the Grand Harbour.
Two stunning paintings of Malta have just been recently restored by the Maltese restoration company known as RECOOP.
The paintings depict the Grand Harbour and are the work of Anton Schranz. They date all the way back to 1818.
Such a depiction provides onlookers with a direct glimpse of the every day at the Grand Harbour in the early 19th century.
In one of the paintings one can spot a mighty 74-gun ship, which provides quite the contrast with the tiny traditional firilla fishing boat that can be seen sailing in front of it. One can also observe the fisherman fishing from land as they go about their workday.
On the other hand, the other painting depicts quite a more tranquil scene. Anton Schranz chose to paint a shepherd with his sheep as many walk alongside the sea at the harbour.
These paintings were first purchased by Count Saverio Marchese who later left them in his will to the Mdina Cathedral Chapter, where they still remain today.