Grand Master Jean de la Valette

Jean de la Valette was the 49th Grand Master of the Order of St John, and was witness to many major events in the Order's history. Valette fought against the Turks in Rhodes, but most notably commanded the resistance against the Ottomans during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. When Malta's previous base at Birgu was destroyed, they moved across the bay and built Valletta in his honour.

Object type

Portrait Medals

Date

Production: 16th century

Subject(s)

Knights of Malta
Portraiture

Associated person

Subject: Jean de la Valette (1495 - 1568)

Associated activity

Siege

Associated event

Siege: Great Siege of Malta, 1565 (18 May 1565 - 8 September 1565)

Dimensions

Diameter: 58mm

Related place(s)

Valletta
Malta

References

Fincham, Henry Walter. Catalogue of the Museum at St. Johns Gate. Unpublished, Museum of the Order of St John, 1915.

Catalogue number

1555