This room has the famous Lascaris Panels. They were painted during the reign of Grand Master Lascaris (1636-1657). They are reputed to have decorated his ship. All the scenes are fantasy. Many Italian artists of the 17th century liked to paint imaginary scenes in order to produce a more dramatic or even romantic landscape.

 

In the corner is a Maltese clock. It is early and very simple; it was made with only one hand indicating the time and needs to be wound up three times a day. There are several portraits here including one of Sir Walter Scott who visited Malta in 1831 and a rare picture of Samuel Taylor Coleridge who was on the island in 1804. A portrait of Grand Master Manoel de Rohan Polduc (1775-1797) and another of the last Grand Master to rule Malta the German Ferdinand Hompesch (1797-1798) who was ignominiously ousted by Napoleon in 1798. Between them is Cardinal

 

Portocarrero who is considered a founding father of the National library.

 

 

If you wish to see more have a look at our 360° virtual tour:

 

 

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