Knight of the Grand Cross of Malta in coat / cloak

Knight of the Grand Cross of Malta / Chevalier grand-croix de l'ordre de Malte. Knights Hospitaller - founded in Jerusalem c. 1080 to provide care for poor, sick or injured pilgrims to the Holy Land. In 1099 during the First Crusade it became a religious/military order under its own charter, and was charged with the care and defence of the Holy Land. After the conquest of the Holy Land by Islamic forces, the Order operated from Rhodes, and later from Malta. Hand coloured engraving - .-1847 From Costume du Moyen Age, D'apres les manuscrits, les peintures et les monuments contemporains.