Lot 140: LUIGI MARIA GALEA (MALTESE, 1847-1917) H.M.S. Medina and escort entering Ma

LUIGI MARIA GALEA (MALTESE, 1847-1917) H.M.S. Medina and escort entering Malta Harbour, January 24th 1912 signed and dated ‘L M Galea/1912’ (lower left) oil on board 19 x 41.9cm (7 1/2 x 16 1/2in).

Provenance: From the estate of Admiral Sir Louis Henry Keppel ‘Turtle’ Hamilton (1890–1957), thence by descent. Private collection, UK. Hamilton was the son of Admiral Sir Frederick Tower Hamilton (1856-1917) and grandson of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Keppel (1809- 1904). Hamilton’s uncle Sir Colin Keppel was the commanding officer of this flotilla, while Hamilton was a sub-lieutenant, both stationed on the Medina in this scene. His brother Henry was a midshipman on HMS Cochrane, the third boat in the flotilla.