A painting of the Crucifixion by a prominent Maltese artist is to finally get displayed in the location for which it was intended, more than 30 years after it was commissioned.

The painting was almost certainly done by Prof. Mgr.Giuseppe Briffa for the Altar of the Crucifix in the parish church of St Mary in Birkirkara - but the painter died before completing it and as a consequence, it was never hung up. Both the size of the painting as well as its shape indicates that this was its original intended location.

After the artist's death, the painting was rolled up and stored in the Oratory of the Church of St Mary, where it deteriorated considerably and was only saved from irreversible damage when the priest in charge hung it up on two wooden beams some seven years ago.

Bank of Valletta is supporting the restoration of the painting which has  been entrusted to Prevarti Art Restoration and Conservation.

“The Bank has built a reputation for supporting the conservation and restoration of works of art that form part of Malta’s artistic treasure chest,” said Vanessa Macdonald, Head Media & Community Relations at Bank of Valletta.

The restoration work comprises disinfestation, tear repair and canvas inlays, superficial cleaning and varnish removal.