Two Renaissance panels have been restored with the support of Banif.

The paintings are two of 11 or more, from an altarpiece by Antonio de Saliba (c.1466-c.1535), that was commissioned for the late medieval Rabat Franciscan Minor Observants’ Church of Santa Maria di Gesù (Ta’ Giezu).

In the course of the restoration, which lasted a year and a half, a number of interesting insights into the 700-year-old paintings were unearthed, including new colours and new textures.

Chief restorer Paul Muscat removed layers of over-painting that had given the work a close resemblance to what was intended by the original artist.

In the Madonna and Child panel, the Madonna previously held a rose that she passed on to the Child but the rose was originally a passion flower. The Christ Child had been completely overpainted altering the body entirely and concealing a coral pendant hanging from a necklace.

ReCoop Laboratories were commissioned to undertake diagnostic tests on the paintings and restore them to their former glory by the University’s Department of History of Art, directed by Mario Buhagiar and assisted by Charlene Vella.

Atlas Insurance, Island Insurance Brokers and ReCoop also supported the project.