The beautiful bronze sculpture by internationally renowned Maltese artist Antonio Sciortino, Speed, and its plaster cast are on display at Auberge D’Italie, in Valletta.

The stunning piece, which was recently bought at an auction by Heritage Malta for €163,000, will remain on public viewing until the end of October.

The work of art is crafted in the shape of a large anvil with the heads of two horses and their forelegs flying forward, blurring the rest of their bodies into lines of speed.

The heads of five riders are wedged close to the bodies as the horses’ nostrils flare for air, which then streak backwards and develop into parallel bands of metal.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said Speed was a gift to the country’s national collection to mark the 50th anniversary of Independence Day, the 40th anniversary of Republic Day, the 35th anniversary of Freedom Day and the 10th anniversary of EU membership.

Dr Bonnici said the government was very proud to acquire the work: “We already own Sciortino pieces and this will be adding to the collection.”

He announced the government was working on amending the law on cultural heritage and encouraged the public to give feedback and make suggestions to the ministry on russell.muscat@gov.mt.

Born in 1879, Sciortino went to study at the Istituto Reale delle Belle Arti in Rome when he was 22.

His works are recognised around the world and some of his best pieces in Malta include the statue of Christ the King in Floriana, the 1565 Great Siege monument opposite the law courts and a monument dedicated to Lord Gerald Strickland at the Upper Barrakka Gardens.