Oils
210x155cm

The Mediterranean and Atlantic Fleets in Gibraltar Harbour was gifted to the people of Gibraltar by Elsa Bacarisas, fulfilling the express wish of her late husband, the renowned artist Gustavo Bacarisas. He was awarded the title of Gibraltar’s first Honorary Freeman on 18 December 1971, the same year the painting was formally presented. Though completed in 1971, the work is believed to depict a scene from just before the Second World War, offering a panoramic view of the Bay with both the Home Fleet and the Mediterranean Fleet in port. As recalled by Mario Finlayson, who knew the artist personally, the fleets could be distinguished by their colours: the Home Fleet painted in dark grey, and the Mediterranean Fleet in light grey. According to Finlayson, Bacarisas painted the view from the terrace of the Cecil Hotel, which belonged to his family. The painting is a vivid tribute to Gibraltar’s past as a strategic naval stronghold, bustling with sailors and maritime activity. Bacarisas’ signature “Bacarisas blue” and details like laundry hanging from balconies anchor the work in everyday Gibraltarian life, blending grand historical narrative with intimate local identity, a reflection of the artist’s deep-rooted connection to his homeland.