Melita (personification)

[1] An example of an allegorical painting which bears similarities to later depictions of Melita is an 18th-century fresco at Auberge de Provence by Nicolau Nasoni.

The painting depicts a female figure wearing armour with a Maltese cross and holding a sword and shield, and it is said to represent the "Religion", a common nickname for the Order.

The allegorical figure first appeared on a 2s/6d olive-grey stamp in 1899, where she was depicted holding a sword and a shield, the latter emblazoned with the Maltese cross.

Caruana Dingli's design, which was used for the pence and pound values, depicts Melita as a robed and helmeted figure holding a rudder, representing Malta as being in control of her own destiny, while Vella's design shows Melita embracing Britannia, representing the link between Britain and Malta as sisters or mother and daughter.

[8][9] A depiction of Melita based on Caruana Dingli's design appeared on the fifth series of Maltese lira banknotes which were in use from 1989 until Malta adopted the euro in 2008.