Enthroned Madonna and Child with Angels, by Antonio de Saliba.

The innumerable works of art in local churches each have their own history, composition, iconography and art historical significance.

The Research Programme for the study of Late Medieval and Renaissance Art and Architecture is currently focusing its attention on two of these paintings dating to the first few years of the 16th century.

Delving into the layers of these two Renaissance paintings will help answer several questions and will reveal how they were made, the artist’s methods of execution, the pigment and panel used, and much more.

The research programme (De­part­ment of History of Art, University of Malta), directed by Prof. Mario Buhagiar assisted by Charlene Vella, has commissioned ReCoop Laboratories to undertake diagnostic tests on the paintings, and to restore them to their former glory, with funds allocated by Banif Bank.

The project also has the support of Atlas Insurance PCC Ltd and Island Insurance Brokers. ReCoop is also supporting the project by waiving additional fees related to a lengthier restoration than expected.

“Work is progressing well, but we have been slowed down by the original flesh tone colour that we found is very fragile and very reactive to most solvent mixtures,” said Paul Muscat from ReCoop Laboratories.

“Work is being carried out with the aid of a microscope that ensures the preservation of the original. This procedure is very time-consuming. In an hour one manages to clean around one square centimetre. We are happy that the procedure is giving excellent results.”

“It is simply fascinating to see history unfold as one layer of painting after another is un­covered and details invisible to the naked eye start showing up. At Banif we give national heritage the importance it deserves, hence our support to this project,” said Charles Mizzi, head of marketing and communi­cations at Banif Bank. “We know conservation projects are very costly, but we strongly believe the results are priceless.”

The refined paintings being studied and restored are two of 11 or more, from a polyptych by Antonio de Saliba (c.1466-c.1535), produced for the medieval Rabat Franciscan Minor Observants’ church of Santa Maria di Gesù (Ta’ Gieżu). This commission illustrates an interesting example of Franciscan patronage which reached the renowned follower of Antonello da Messina, who enjoyed great repute in eastern Sicily in the early decades of the 16th century. This commission also proves that the Maltese islands possessed great works of Renaissance art before the arrival of the Knights of St John in 1530.