Luigi Maria Galea (1847-1917) probably lived in Malta, and specialised in painting town views and particularly the port of Valletta.

Sliema is a town on the northeastern coast of Malta. It grew up In the mid-nineteenth century around the Stella Maris Church, and by 1878, the population had burgeoned to such an extent that the religious authorities declared the church a parish in its own right, separate from St Helen's parish of Birkirkara. As the century progressed the town developed into a popular summer resort for wealthier Valletta residents, who built elegant villas and town houses along the inland streets.

This moonlit seascape depicts the view out to sea from Sliema Harbour with various ferries crossing; in the foreground to the right, a fishing boat and a spit of land, and in the background Sliema with a church spire in the centre.