I believe that some Maltese collectors of the works of Girolamo Gianni (1837-c.1896) will be pleased to hear that one of his panoramic views has made a record price at Sotheby’s on May 18. There will be others who will regret opportunities of buying his works cheaply when supply was plentiful.

I remember one self-styled critic writing that Gianni’s works were not noteworthy and adding that praising him was bad advice to art students!

Gianni was, of course, an important Neapolitan landscape artist who has left us detailed records of a Malta now lost. I am saddened to think that our 19th century national collection is miserly; this is due to the overemphasis on Mattia Preti and Favray (both great artists).

Gianni’s picture of Constantinople estimated at £30,000-50,000 realised £163,250 including buyer’s premium.