I came across this quote from the play Quartet by Ronald Hardwood: “The Philistine believes only art which is popular is always good but art which is good is never popular.”
The temporary sculpture of the three-legged horse is great art because it has served greatly in provoking thought, comment and feeling and a myriad of interpretations which is what every good work of art should do.
Nevertheless, as a true Valletta-born citizen, I do feel that de Valette’s statue should be placed there because it is quite lost behind the theatre.
Why not exchange the place where the two statues stand?
For all those passing through the new entrance (tourists and locals alike) there will be a constant reminder of who the city is named for and for every future prime minister (including the current one) the horse will be a reminder that political power is as short-lived and unstable as a three-legged horse.