The celebrated artist often referred to as France’s response to Banksy, C215, has left a trail of art pieces in Valletta, which he says were inspired by Caravaggio’s ghost.

The pieces by Parisian street artist Christian Guémy can be seen on pillar boxes across the Maltese capital, which he has been wanting to visit for years because of his interest in 17th century religious architecture.

Having read for a Masters in historical architecture, Mr Guémy is in Malta holidaying with his daughter.

His tribute to Caravaggio in Valletta includes the popular Boy with a Basket of Fruit and the Medusa.

Mr Guémy has a soft spot for the Italian artist because he also used to portray ordinary people in his pieces.

In his work all across Europe, including Barcelona, Amsterdam, London and Rome, C215 likes to show “people that society wants to keep hidden, like the homeless and street kids”.

One of his pieces is part of the permanent public collection at the Paris Postal Museum and the French Post Office have also released a stamp depicting one of his artworks and featuring the face of his daughter.

‘France’s Banksy’ was in Valletta in the past couple of days.

But not everyone appreciated pictures of his pieces in Valletta when they went online yesterday, with some questioning whether this was a form of vandalism.

“I practice art with full respect to the city and I don’t destroy anything or paint on walls without permission, especially the historical walls of Valletta,” the artist said.

“It takes me days to prepare the stencils and I choose a small spot in the city that can be painted over, so in a way, it is reversible.”

And this is why Mr Guémy has chosen letterboxes to “give something back to the city but at the same time not leave a permanent mark that could change the city”.

“I can assure you that Valletta is a beautiful city and it should be enjoyed as it is. Vandalism is never on my mind and I do not create my pieces to provoke, but to leave something for the people there to enjoy.

“Art is continuously evolving and it is interesting when we use contemporary art as a tribute to the past.”

Mr Guémy also intends to stencil image of cats, his favourite animals, in more street art in Valletta.