Romegas - Terror of the Muslims
by Ray Agius
Original - Sold
Price
Not Specified
Dimensions
12.000 x 16.000 inches
This piece has been already sold. Please feel free to contact the artist directly regarding this or other pieces.
Click here to contact the artist.
Title
Romegas - Terror of the Muslims
Artist
Ray Agius
Medium
Painting - Watercolour On Cold-pressed 300 Gsm Watercolour Paper
Description
Romegas, �The Terror of Muslims�
It was late July; two gruelling months had passed since the beginning of the Siege and still the Knights had no news of much-needed reinforcements. Now the Turks had managed to place a chain at the mouth of the harbour, sealing the Knights and their supporters from any outside help.
Obtaining reliable intelligence on Turkish movements and intentions was crucial. The Grand Master offered a reward for the capture, alive, of a Turkish soldier.
The captain of the Grand Master�s personal bodyguards, Mathurin d'Aux de Lescout, known as Romegas, volunteered, but he was too valuable and the Grand Master refused. Instead, Romegas sent several of his own men. But the mission nearly met with disaster when their boat was intercepted and the crew was forced to swim back to safety. Romegas offered a reward from his own pocket for a second try, but it, too, was unsuccessful.
At 35, Romegas was already considered to be one of the Knights� greatest naval commanders. Born in southern France, the second son of a noble family he joined the Order at age 18. He spent most of his life at sea, serving under Jean de Valette as a young man when the future Grand Master was Captain-General of the galleys.
In his short career he had already destroyed several Turkish galleys, captured thousands of Ottoman slaves, and released as many Christian captives. He became renowned as �The Terror of Muslims�, helping to enrich the Order through his exploits. The ships he captured were put up for sale and important captives were ransomed.
Uploaded
April 30th, 2015
Embed
Share