The 17th edition in the series of retrospective exhibitions organised by Bank of Valletta will be featuring 86 works by veteran romantic artist Victor Diacono. The exhibition will be inaugurated by H.E. Edward Fenech Adami, President of Malta on 25 May at the BOV Centre in Sta Venera.

Born in 1915, Victor Diacono studied at the School of Art from 1929 to 1937 under Prof. Anatonio Micallef (1883-1957) and George Borg (1906-1983). In 1937 he won a six-year scholarship and started his studies in Rome, under Prof. Angelo Zanelli, until 1940 when he had to return to Malta because of World War II. He continued his studies in the UK from 1947 to 1950.

In 1952 he married Antoinette née Dingli. During 1951 he started working at the Hotel Phoenicia until his retirement. He was always very active and he was continuously commissioned for bust and head portraits. His rendering beauty in children’s head portraits was very much appreciated. He has adopted a style of his own and all his works were always in demand being either of a religious or folkloristic theme. His watercolour paintings are also regarded as very lively and charming.

The exhibition is being curated by Gabriel A. Pellegrini and, as in previous editions, a fully illustrated catalogue with all the exhibits and a biographical synopsis on the artist will accompany the exhibition.