BHC0254

The Siege of Malta: capture of St Elmo, 23 June 1565 Long Caption: This is the third of eight pictures commemorating the Siege of Malta in 1565. It portrays the capture of Fort St Elmo on 23 June. Fort St Elmo was captured after a siege lasting 29 days. Inside the fort, the Turks found 27 cannons which are portrayed here adorned with the Turkish flag and pointing at the Christian Fort St Angelo. The painting takes the viewer's eye over the battle to the fort and sea beyond, with a view from Mount Sceberras overlooking the Christian forts of St Elmo on the left and Birgu in the background to the right. The Turks pour through the breached walls of the castle where two parties of Knights make their last stand. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: BHC0254 Artist: Matteo Perez d'Aleccio Date: late 16th century Medium: oil on canvas Size: 1372 mm x 2057 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.