Auction of Schranz harbour views

An impressive and imposing work, a view of Grand Harbour by Giovanni Schranz (1794-1882), will be sold by auction at Edinburgh fine art auctioneers Lyon and Turnbull on December 6.

The painting, and another painting called a 'View of Grand Harbour during a storm', are valued at between £40,000 and £60,000.

Painting specialist Nick Curnow, managing director of Lyon and Turnbull, said research had revealed much of the huge contribution the Schranz family had made to Maltese painting since the date of Anton Schranz's arrival on the island in 1817.

"From this time, and until his death in 1839, it can be difficult to separate the work of Anton and his sons Giovanni and Antonio, both of whom studied under their father."

He said the discovery of this important pair of matched views of Valletta was a welcome and worthy addition to people's knowledge of this distinguished artist.