The restoration of the ex-voto painting of Our Lady of the Assumption in St Mary's church, known as Il-Knisja l-Qadima, in Birkirkara, is finally complete. The restoration was an initiative of the church's parish priest, Fr Lino Azzopardi, and historian Sandro Sciberras.
Bank of Valletta financed the project, while the restoration of the painting itself was entrusted to Charlotte Bellizzi.
"The painting had already been restored in the past after it fell from its hanging place and suffered extensive damage," said Ms Bellizzi.
However, with time several of the former tears resurfaced, which caused cracking and losses in the paint layer. The painting had also been heavily retouched and parts of the original painting covered. The aging of the varnish also led to the overall darkening of the painting.
Ms Bellizzi explained that during the restoration the painting was relined onto a new canvas using the traditional collapesta method. This is an old technique used precisely for the relining of canvases already described in Il Libro dell'Arte by Cennino Cennini, whereby natural ingredients such as flour are used.
The iconography of the work, together with the technique of the painting and materials used, had previously indictated that the work dated back to the 18th century. On restoration the precise date of the painting was revealed - 1777.
The painting is a typical representation of an Assumption: the Virgin seated on a cluster of clouds, eyes heavenward and aided by a chorus of angels. It is used as the titular painting during the feast of Santa Marija. Throughout the rest of the year, however, it graces the St Andrea altar.
It constitutes one of the few paintings which are present in the church's corpus of works of art.
The painting is considered as an ex-voto since the letters VFGA (Votot Fecit., Gratia Accepit) are inscribed upon it. An ex-voto is an offering given in fulfillment of a vow, or simply as gratitude or devotion towards a saint or divinity. The donor/patron of the painting and the painter remain unknown.
The newly restored painting was inaugurated during a Mass celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem last Tuesday. The event was inaugurated by Archbishop Paul Cremona and President Eddie Fenech Adami.