A unique 15th century painting of the Assumption in the chapel of Sta Maria at Hal Xluq, is currently being restored thanks to a financial contribution presented by APS Bank to the Cultural Heritage Commission of Siggiewi. The commission forms part of the Siggiewi parish council.

The restoration of the painting is one of several initiatives that the commission has been considering since it was set up in 2004 and it asked APS Bank to finance the restoration of the unique painting on wooden panels.

The restoration work is expected to take about nine months. The identity of the artist who painted The Assumption of the Virgin around the 15th century is not known. The painting, which measures 199 cms by 149 cms, including the frame, hangs on the left-hand wall of the chapel. This wall has suffered from water seepage and is currently undergoing conservation treatment.

A preliminary report on the painting says that the panel dates back to the 15th century but could be even older. It is considered an important piece of work, mainly due to the historical evidence it gives of the original techniques used in the production of panels in mediaeval Malta.

The main treatment required is restoring the panel’s structural stability.

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