A painting of the Crucifixion by prominent Maltese artist Giuseppe Briffa is to be finally displayed in the location for which it was intended, more than 30 years after it was commissioned.

The painting was almost certainly painted by Briffa for the Altar of the Crucifix for St Mary’s parish church in Birkirkara – but the painter died before completing it and, as a consequence, it was never hung up.

Both the size of the painting as well as its shape indicate this was its original intended location.

After the artist’s death, the painting was rolled up and stored in the oratory of the old parish church, where it deteriorated considerably and was only saved from irreversible damage when the chaplin hung it up on two wooden beams some seven years ago.

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

“The bank has built a reputation for supporting the conservation and restoration of works of art,” said Vanessa Macdonald, head of media and community relations at BoV.

The restoration work, to be completed by February, comprises disinfestation, tear repair and canvas inlays, superficial cleaning and varnish removal.