Four paintings by Maltese painter Willie Apap went under the hammer today at the Obelisk Auctions Gallery, fetching a total of €64,000.

One of his most important works, The Nativity, fetched €18,000, Female Nude fetched €20,000 and Ballerinas and Two Female Nudes fetched €13,000 each.

They were all sold to Maltese collectors.

Auctioneer Pierre Grech Pillow said the pre-sale estimate was between €5,000 and €8,000 per painting.

Apap’s paintings are very much in demand as it has been a while since any have been on the market.

Willie Apap (1918-1970) divided his career between Malta and Rome, where he spent most of his life.

The works auctioned this afternoon formed part of a 754-piece “rare and unique” antiques and fine arts collection, which included 20th century Maltese modern art, 17th and 18th century master paintings, Maltese and European furniture, silver, ceramics, glass, clocks, bronze, a collection of oriental art including ivory, soapstone and jade, jewellery, watches including Rolex, Cartier and Omega, collectors’ items and other works.

A total 85 per cent of the works were sold.