Perhaps few people know that the romantic depictions of early 19th century Malta and the raging Maltese seas depicted by renowned brothers Giovanni and Anton Schranz were originally created as souvenirs for members of the navy and the British military stationed on the island and the burgeoning tourist market in 19th century Malta.

It follows that several of these paintings made their way overseas and found themselves in the permanent collections of English, Greek and Minorcan museums while others occasionally appear on the local and international art market.

Paintings and prints by the Schranz family have become highly collectible and in recent years a number of their works have been purchased and brought back to Malta.

Bank of Valletta is dedicating its official 2008 calendar to some of the most outstanding works by the Schranz brothers, a legacy in a collection of works that reflects the artistic contribution that these two artists made to Malta's artistic scenario, as a bank spokesman put it.

BOV is a strong promoter of arts and culture in Malta. It provides financial backing to individual artists for shows and the promotion of their artistic talent as well as for bi-annual art exhibitions to honour and pay tribute to Malta's most accomplished artists.

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