Two panels dating to the Renaissance period have been restored. The refined paintings are two of 11 or more, from a polyptych, or altarpiece, by Antonio de Saliba (c.1466-c.1535), commissioned for the late medieval Rabat Franciscan Minor Observants’ Church of Santa Maria di Gesù (Ta’ Ġieżu).
In the course of the restoration operations, a number of insights into the 700-year-old paintings were unearthed. The restoration was supported by Banif Bank (Malta) plc.
The Research Programme within the Department of History of Art at the University of Malta, directed by Mario Buhagiar and assisted by Charlene Vella, commissioned ReCoop Laboratories to undertake diagnostic tests on the paintings and to restore them to their former glory.
The project also has the support of Atlas Insurance PCC Ltd and Island Insurance Brokers.
The scientific interventions carried out over the past year-and-a-half has uncovered features that had, until now, been hidden. The painstaking work by chief restorer Paul Muscat has removed layers of overpainting and uncovered new colours and textures.
In the Madonna and Child panel, Our Lady, who previously held a rose she passed on to the Christ Child, originally had a passion flower. The Virgin’s mantle had a greenish appearance, which was originally blue, and a large star on her left shoulder, which had presumably previously rendered in gold, was revealed.
The biggest change can be seen in the Christ Child whose figure had been completely overpainted, entirely altering the body and physiognomy, and concealing a coral pendant handing from a necklace. Another detail covered over is a diaphanous veil that lightly falls over Christ’s body.
“We are excited to be able to finally see the restored panels,” said Adrian Coppini, chief officer for Corporate Services, at Banif Bank.
Atlas Insurance chief commercial officer Robert Micallef said it was important to support initiatives as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
Lawrence Pavia from Island Insurance Brokers said that throughout the company’s 25 years of operation, it has always supported the arts, in particular local artists.