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GOLDEN AGE OF SAIL – SHIPBUILDING IN MALTA

The 19th century was the pinnacle of Maltese shipbuilding, building vessels to import material such as grain and which ranged as far as Southern Ukraine and the Black Sea. This practice went on until the First World War.

The owners of these shipyards and the merchants enjoyed an important status, since their operations monopolised the price of bread, and hence control on one of the basic amenities of the community. Bread was the dominant food of most of the population, with its quality being a measure of well-being and a socio-economic status. This shows a shift in Maltese society, from legitimised piracy under the flag of the ruler to entrepreneurship and operating their own ships.

ArtEfacts

Size

70cm x 80cm

Date

20th century

Location

Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor

Creator

Joseph Abela

Reference Code

MMM 004874

Size

200cm x 44cm

Date

19th century

Location

Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor

Reference Code

MMM 005106

The Figurehead showcases the renowed shipbuilder Gregorio Mirabitur who was born on 18 June 1809, and lived in Senglea. Mirabitur died at the age of 77 on 15 January 1886. His firm ordered a figurehead representing his image in full profile along with his dog for one of their vessels. Since it resulted in such a realistic rendition, it was decided to retain the figurehead in the Firm’s office.

Size

26.5cm x 142cm

Date

1800-1899

Location

Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor

Reference Code

MMM 000295

This ship was built in Malta by the Firm “German Brothers” of Senglea in the first half of the 19th century.

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The Mediterranean expanse, which in antiquity was defined as “The Great Sea”, has for centuries