(Recto) HMS 'Trafalgar' sailing into Malta Harbour with loss of her rudder head after a gale, 9 February 1852- (Verso) 'Trafalgar' under the Upper Barracca, Malta, 27 March 1852 RMG PZ0864

(Recto) HMS 'Trafalgar' sailing into Malta Harbour with loss of her rudder head after a gale, 9 February 1852: (Verso) 'Trafalgar' under the Upper Barracca, Malta, 27 March 1852

No. 16 of 36 (PAI0849 - PAI0884).

(Recto) Inscribed top left, 'HMS Trafalgar /sailing into Malta Harbour / with loss of rudder head / after the gale - Feby 9th 1852' and bottom 'Terrible', which identifies the naval auxiliary steamer in attendance to the right. The outlying fortification on the left is probably the seaward point of St Elmo, with two men rowing a Maltese dghaisa between it and the ship. The promontory on the left is the outlying end of Fort Ricasoli.

(Verso) Inscribed top left, 'Trafalgar- Malta- / March 27th 52', this is a detailed hull study of the ship's hull from ahead just off the starboard bow, as she lies at anchor (chain cable) under the Upper Barracca, Valletta, which is lightly sketched in in pencil behind. The gunports are open with the guns run out, and a boat boom is rigged from the starboard side with a boat under it and a dghaisa alongside further aft; another boat hangs outboard on davits. Apart from figures in the two boats on the water there is no other staffage and though the lower masts are indicated there has been no attempt to add yards or rigging. The ship's reflection in the water is well achieved and its figurehead - a bust of Nelson in uniform, including the sash of the Order of the Bath, and a hat - is almost self-identifying in terms of detailing.

'Trafalgar' under the Upper Barracca, Malta