A very rare Great Siege map is one of the attractions among a collection of maps of the Maltese islands included in this month’s auction at Belgravia Auction Gallery, St Julian’s.

The map is by Palombi and dates back to the 16th century. It shows the Turkish fleet surrounding the islands with several battalions on land, with some vessels in Marsamxet to and some galleys leaving.

Two dated pen drawings and wash on paper depict episodes from the accomplishments of the navy of the Order of St John: Prima Uscita della Squadra de Vascelli is dated April 1705, and its pair is of a victory over a Turkish vessel on May 13, 1723.

Two views of Valletta by Giorgio Pullicino are painted on canvas: in one, the statue of Neptune is shown at the fish market with traders, while an unusual view of Valletta is painted from Fort Tigné and shows Fort Manoel and Valletta.

Among the fine examples of Maltese furniture are an early 18th century chest with lacework inlay from the Vilhena period and an even earlier large imposing display cabinet, possibly from the late 17th century.

A previously unseen self portrait of Willie Apap shows the artist looking left.

Edward Caruana Dingli painted Olga Galea Naudi often and one of the most impressive renditions of her shown with light streaming through her golden hair will be put up on sale on March 28.

A rare signed watercolour, dated 1785, by Count Saverio Marchese shows an array of scattered 18th-century prints.

Viewing starts today. The over 1,000 lots, all sourced from local private collections, are to be sold over five days from March 24.

The full catalogue is available at www.belgraviaauctions.com.