Lot 186: Charles Frederick de Brocktorff (Danish, 1775-1850) 'Tapestry Room in the Governor's Palace in the City of Valetta'

'Tapestry Room in the Governor's Palace in the City of Valetta'
signed 'Ch Brocktorff delt' and inscribed with title (beneath border)
watercolour over pencil
19 x 30.5cm (7 1/2 x 12in).

A larger version of the present lot is in the collection of the National Library of Malta and is illustrated in Vella (2008) alongside a photograph of the grand Tapestry Room (p.156 & 157, pl.VI.42 & 43):

"The Tapestry Chamber, built in the late 17th century, was planned as a Hall for the Supreme Council of the Order of St John and formerly known as the Sale del Consiglio. The tapestries comprised the gioia (gift) presented by Grand Master Ramon Perellos for the embellishment of this hall shortly after his election in 1697. The complete set of ten compositions was a highly desired replica of a similar series in Versailles Palace and represented scenes of South American flora and fauna entitled 'Les Tenture des Indes'." (Vella 2008, p.158)

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
T. Vella, Charles Frederick de Brocktorff: Watercolours of Malta at the National Library, Valletta, Volume II (Valletta, 2008)