A painting of the Crucifixion by Prof. Giuseppe Briffa will be put up in the parish church of St Mary, Birkirkara more than 30 years after it was commissioned.

The painting was done for the Altar of the Crucifix but the painter died before completing it and, as a consequence, it was never hung up.

After the artist’s death, the painting was rolled up and stored in the oratory of the Church of St Mary, where it deteriorated and was only saved from irreversible damage when the chaplain hung it up on two wooden beams seven years ago.

Bank of Valletta is supporting the restoration, which has been entrusted to Prevarti Art Restoration and Conservation.