Restoration works have been carried out on the 18th century titular painting of St John the Evangelist at the chapel dedicated to him in Bahar ic-Caghaq. The works, supported by the Bank of Valletta, formed part of a wide-ranging restoration project for the chapel coordinated by Youth Alive, a group of young people who meet regularly at this place and who are directed by Fr Mark Ciantar, OFM.

The restoration works on the painting were entrusted to Alfred Scicluna, a professional restorer. Mr Scicluna says that upon investigating the unsigned but dated painting, he found that the style of the painting suggested a possible attribution to the circle of Francesco Zahra. The whole restoration process, spanning nine months, was completed recently with the painting now being returned to its original setting in the chapel.

Josabeth Cassar, manager of Bank of Valletta’s branch at Ta’ l-Ibrag, presented BOV’s sponsorship to Fr Ciantar during a visit to St John the Evangelist chapel, where she had the opportunity to admire the beauty of this 18th century work of art.

Ms Cassar said that as a bank that prided itself in supporting the preservation of local heritage, “we are delighted to have contributed towards the restoration of this magnificent work of art. This restoration project is significant especially in view of the possibility that the painting could be the work of Francesco Zahra, one of Malta’s leading artists of the 18th century.”

“Further study and research is currently under way on scribbling found on the original wood stretcher to enable a positive attribution to Francesco Zahra,” Fr Ciantar announced while thanking Bank of Valletta for its contribution. “We are proud to be in a position to admire this masterpiece in its full splendour and take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who dedicated their time in the restoration of the chapel.”