after Joseph Mallord William Turner

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With 'Malta', this was one of the first subjects Turner drew for Finden's 'Landscape Illustrations'; it was promised in October 1830. In fact it only appeared as the frontispiece of a re-issued edition of the series, with text by William Brockedon, in 1833. It was probably always intended as an introductory plate, opening up the Mediterranean world described in much of Byron's writing. George Reinagle, who provided Turner's working drawing, had accompanied Admiral Codrington's fleet during the recent campaign for Greek independence.

Gallery label, August 2004

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