Description

This is the sixth of eight pictures commemorating the Siege of Malta in 1565. It shows the height of the main Turkish attack on Birgu, on 21 August, viewed from within the fortress looking inland, south-east. The Mount Salvadore battery is firing from the extreme left; the Turkish assault is also from that side. Although they have penetrated the outer wall, and placed their flags on the walls, they are being held. In the centre foreground holding a baton in his right hand, stands La Valette, the Grand Master of Valletta, identifiable by the red tabbard with white crosses over his gold embossed half armour, a matching cabasset on his head. The other Knights wear similar if plainer harnesses and half armours, as they fire from within the post at the rows of Turks. The Turkish fire can be seen from the left. See also BHC0252-BHC0259.