Charles Frederick de Brocktorff painted whatever was interesting to wealthy visitors to the islands, e.g. St.John's Co-Cathedral,
the Governor's Palace, as well as magnificent views of the Grand Harbour. He also portrayed various classes of Maltese society for the benefit
of foreign buyers who were curious to know how the Maltese lived.
Volume 1 aims at revealing the artistic hand of Charles Frederick de Brocktorff through a selection of 17 watercolours in two albums at the National
Library, Valletta. These consist of five topographical views of Malta and twelve works showing Maltese traditions and occupations dating back
to the first half of the 19th centrury. After placing C.F. de Brocktorff in his proper context, by providing a brief biographical introduction and setting the political
and artistic scenes, the watercoulours are discussed in the light of their documentary and ethnographic wealth. |
