A Detailed Model of Grand Master Jean de La Vallette
Details
€20.95
A detailed model of the most famous of all Grand Masters of Malta - Jean Parisot de La Vallette
Proclaimed Grand Master 21st August 1557 - Died 21st August 1568
The 49th Grand Master of
The Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta
GRAND MASTER JEAN de LA VALLETTE had always dreamt of building a city on the peninsula known as Shebb-erras, or Xaghret Mewwija, which rose between the two main harbours. Pope Pius V, too, liked the idea and sent to Malta his own architect and engineer, Francesco Laparelli, who soon drew up plans on parchment, and made a model for the fortifications on Mount Sceberras. The Pope promised every help, and began by giving 15,000 crowns. Other help came from most European Kings: 20,000 scudi-worth of foodstuffs and building materials were sent by the King of Spain, and the King of Portugal offered 30,000 cruzados. Palermo loaned the Order 50,000 scudi, while the Maltese agreed to contribute by taxes and free work.
The most urgent and important work was that of building the fortifications. When most of these were planned, the foundation stone was laid with great solemnity on March 28, 1566, an altar was raised under a fine, large canopy, and a High Mass celebrated before all the Knights and the thousands of Maltese who had gone to see the memorable spectacle. Everywhere was fully decorated, especially the spot, in a corner of St. James's Cavalier, where the foundation stone was ready to be blessed by the Prior of the Conventual's Church. After the blessing, La Vallette lowered the stone in position. The crowds cheered madly, and there was firing of petards for quite some time. A long inscription together with coins and medals made for the occasion, were placed under the stone.
La Vallette wished to name the City "Humillima' but the Council named it "Humillima Civitas Vallettae" to honour the Grand Master.
Soon, Mount Sceberras was a beehive of activity; at times, 8,000 men 'mostly slaves' would be working there, for all males between 12 and 60 had to help, or be fined. Needless to say, women and children helped too. Deep moats were cut down to sea level, and strong bastions were raised. The Grand Master had ordered that the first building should be the Church of Victory, where he used to pray during his visits. But he died soon after, on August 21, 1568. His body, after being carried on a barge across the water from Birgu, was laid to rest in the Victory Church, later; it was removed to the Crypt of St. John's. Thus, Grand Master La Vallette, was the first permanent resident of his own City. Grand Master Del Monte, his successor, declared the city Capital of Malta on March 18, 1571... ...
The Dream had come true, even though the dreamer was dead.
This model is hand painted in the colours of the Knights of the Order of St. John. The most famous Grand Master of all is shown holding his sword in his right hand and the helmet in his left hand. Immense care has been taken to produce a model with such striking resemblence of La Vallette. See pictures/close ups for more detail. The model is approx. 13cm by 8cm
