200-year-old painting stolen from Gozo niche

An 18th century ex-voto painting has been stolen from a niche in Gozo's Mgarr harbour.

The painting, depicting two Gozitan fishermen on a boat invoking the help of the Blessed Virgin and Saints John the Baptist, Francis of Assisi and Peter the Apostle-fisherman, went missing over the past days.

The canvas was framed and displayed behind glass close to the berths of the fishing boats and portside restaurants, but had nothing to secure it other than a flimsy lock.

Heritage organisation Wirt Ghawdex said its monetary value was difficult to assess, but it pointed out that the painting was an important cultural asset.

Ex-voto paintings are significant because they commemorate an event where human beings overcome some grave danger.

The organisation said this painting was likely to have been placed in the niche as a fulfillment of a vow made by the two fishermen named Ganni and Cikku after being saved from a storm.

"While condemning the vandalistic and sacrilegious act, we appeal to the general public to forward any information regarding the case in confidence to the police," Wirt Ghawdex said.

The organisation has also informed Ghajnsielem council and the Gozo Ministry in an effort to try and retrieve the painting.