The quartet of massive knights shot down by the planning authority on Thursday would have acted as a reminder of the capital’s spirit, according to the artist.

Gozitan artist John Grima’s sculpture shows four eight-foot-tall knights standing in a row poised as if they’re taking a step forward.

“It is not a monument representing a particular person, ruler or historic event, but rather an art piece inspired by the spirit of a city surrounded by bastions,” Mr Grima said.

The artist was contacted by this newspaper after the planning authority on Thursday turned down an application from the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation to place the bronze statue opposite the new parliament building just inside City Gate.

When 10 board members voted against, critics who said it would have been out of place expressed relief while others insisted it would have commemorated the defenders of the city built by the Knights of the Order of St John.

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