The BOV Foundation has supported the conservation and restoration of an oil-on-canvas painting depicting St Joseph and the infant Christ at the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Mġarr.

Dating back to 1927, the painting is signed by Ramiro Raffaele Calì, son of renowned Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì. Ramiro inherited from his father both a strong stylistic influence and a particular sensitivity to ecclesiastical commissions.

The restoration project was carried out by ReCoop – The Conservation and Restoration Cooperative Ltd. During a visit to the ReCoop laboratories, Mġarr Parish Priest Fr Sean Abela and BOV representatives, led by Ernest Agius, BOV COO and Deputy Chairperson of the BOV Foundation, were briefed on the conservation process by conservator and restorer Roderick Abela.

Mr Abela explained that the restoration began with non-invasive scientific analysis, followed by a detailed assessment of the painting’s condition. Executed in oil on a thin canvas attached to a wooden auxiliary support, the painting had become loose at the bottom, exposing areas where the canvas was torn and fragile.

The conservators consolidated the weakened sections of the canvas and repaired the damaged support. They also carefully removed accumulated dust and dirt, as well as layers of aged varnish, wax and unwanted overpainting that had obscured the artwork’s original appearance.

Areas of paint loss were subsequently treated and retouched to restore the visual unity of the composition. The reintegration was carried out using reversible materials and techniques, in line with established conservation principles.

Mr Abela also highlighted the dedication “G. Chetcuti Donavit”, visible at the bottom right of the painting, indicating that the work was donated by G. Chetcuti. Further research has since identified the donor as Giuseppe Chetcuti, although little is currently known about him.

Commenting on the project, Ernest Agius said that the foundation is proud to support another initiative safeguarding Malta’s artistic and religious heritage for future generations.

“This restoration project reflects the foundation’s ongoing commitment to preserving works of cultural significance within communities across Malta and Gozo. While culture and the arts remain an important area of focus, the Foundation also actively supports initiatives in sport, education, the environment and, most importantly, the social sector, which is particularly close to our hearts,” he said.