The British government was so impressed by the bravery of the Maltese during World War II that apart from the George Cross, it also awarded the island a collection of valuable art paintings, recently unearthed records reveal.

Discovered by the Fine Arts Museum, they show that five early 19th century views of Valletta and Grand Harbour by the Swiss painter Louis Ducros were “presented to the people of Malta as a tribute to their courage and fortitude during the Second World War”.

The paintings, donated right after the war, have been on exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in South Street, but their context and how they found their way in the museum’s collection was until now, unknown.

Fine Arts Museum Curator Sandro Debono showing the paintings in the room where they are exhibited today. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Fine Arts Museum Curator Sandro Debono told The Sunday Times of Malta that the research, carried out in London, was part of the studies for Muża, the new arts museum at Auberge d’Italie.

“The reason for this donation as registered in the records of the UK Art Fund leaves no doubt as to the reasons guiding this donation, which also gives due recognition to the same values as the George Cross,” Mr Debono said.

The Art Fund records show the paintings were sold at Christie’s in 1945 and bought by the Trustees National Art Collection Fund of Great Britain to be donated to the Maltese people in May 1946.

The works were acquired back then for £69 which would amount to roughly €900 today. Ducros’ paintings are very much in demand and the latest painting auctioned at Christie’s fetched €17,000.

“Keep in mind that the price is indicative not absolute – auction prices tend to depend on who is doing the bidding,” Mr Debono said.

However, it was not the financial value which was of utmost importance, but the contextual value: the paintings had political connotations which made them unique.

The British Crown awarded the George Cross as a decoration for bravery to the nation, but also wanted to show its recognition of the island fortress gallantry and devotion through art.

“Art is also politics,” he said. The donation of the art pieces – as well as the George Cross – clearly recognises how the perception of the Maltese by the British changed after the war.

“Before the war they were considered as ‘natives’, but all of a sudden, they admirably become anti-aircraft gunners, soldiers and committed British subjects at the service of Empire.”

The paintings, which were formerly in the Bayfordbury Collection, had probably been commissioned by General Thomas Graham, commander of the British troops who took over Valletta from the French in 1800.

The five views were painted as a set, probably in the spring of 1800 as the inscription on one clearly suggests.

The British blockade of the islands, previously occupied by the French, was just over and the political status of the islands was still uncertain, Mr Debono said.

The paintings are a document of the landscape at the time. Some of the landscapes can be recognised because they are still pretty much the same – but others changed drastically such as the fish market at Ta’ Liesse in Valletta, he said.

What stands out in some of the paintings is the presence of the British soldiers painted next to the Maltese at a time when most could not understand, let alone speak English.

In the new museum, expected to open doors in 2017/18, the Ducros paintings will be given much more prominence.

“Here they were not even exhibited together due to space restrictions. At Muża, they will be much more accessible and their new context explained,” Mr Debono said.

Who’s the painter?

Swiss painter Louis Ducros was born in Moudon in 1748. He is known mainly for his topographical landscapes, views and ruins. Ducros visited Malta twice in his life. He was renowned and his works can be found in very important collections, among them Lausanne in Switzerland.