A large painting by prolific Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì was among the valuable works recently restored at Stella Maris parish church in Sliema.

The painting, with the circumference at its base measuring about 13 metres, depicts the Virgin of Stella Maris with Pope Leo XIII and adorns the main apse of the church.

The work, dated 1889, was severely damaged during World War II. After that it went through at least three “restoration” interventions that left it largely re-painted with little to none of the original visible, “hence the work spoke a different language to that of Giuseppe Calì’s original work”, restoration company ReCoop said.

Apart from the excessive re-paintings, the work contained several cracks and flaking areas, paint loss and detachments. But now the artist’s original work can be appreciated.

Restoration works at the church started a year ago and included the restoration of a late 16th century titular painting, an important late mannerist work which represents the Virgin and Child with St Dominic, St Thomas Aquinas and a donor.

This work was originally commissioned in the 1570s for the Church of St Dominic in Valletta and was one of the first altar paintings produced for the new city of Valletta.