Gang met harnassen in het Grootmeesterspaleis in Valletta, Malta 1855 - 1875

This is an anonymous stereograph depicting a corridor with suits of armour in the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, Malta. Think about Malta's history here, strategically positioned in the Mediterranean, ruled over centuries by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, the Knights of Saint John, and finally the British Empire. Stereographs like this one offered a sort of early virtual reality, creating a sense of depth that placed viewers in the scene. The Grand Master's Palace, originally built in the 16th century, embodies the power and grandeur of the Knights. These knights, an elite military order, projected an image of power and authority, but what did that mean for the Maltese population under their rule? What narratives were excluded from these halls? Reflect on the untold stories of those who served, labored, and lived in the shadows of this grand palace, their identities and histories obscured by the dominant narrative. How might their experiences reframe our understanding of this place and its representation?