Bank of Valletta has supported the restoration of The Triumph of the Immaculate Conception, the monumental apsidal painting by renowned Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì (1846–1930), located in the Church of the Sacred Heart (Sacro Cuor) in Sliema.

Painted in 1892 using oil on stone, the artwork has been brought back to life through a meticulous conservation project led by local firm Prevarti. The restoration stabilised the stone surface, removed layers of wax and overpainting from previous interventions, and reinstated Mr Calì’s delicate colour palette without compromising the integrity of the original work.

Depicting the Madonna on a crescent surrounded by angels, the composition captures Mr Calì’s signature romantic style. Key figures such as Pope Leo XIII and Blessed John Duns Scotus appear within the celestial scene, while the Navarro family coat of arms features subtly in one corner.

During the inauguration ceremony, Founder of Prevati, Pierre Bugeja, said:

“After carrying out scientific analysis of the painting, we provided consolidation to the stone support and stabilised the paint layer. The complex cleaning process removed a layer of wax that was added on the surface during a past intervention, together with a layer of dust, dirt and previous retouching and overpainting.”

“Finally, we carried out a conservative reintegration using reversible materials. The colours and structure that Calì intended are legible once more – without compromising the integrity of the original,” he continued.

Parish Priest Fr Martin Coleiro OFM described the restored painting as “a powerful focal point to our parish – art that lifts eyes and hearts,” expressing gratitude to all involved, especially Bank of Valletta, “for championing our community heritage.”

Representing the BOV Foundation, Charles Azzopardi, Head of CSR, concluded: At BOV we believe that thriving communities protect their past while investing in their future. We are proud to stand with Sacro Cuor and the Sliema community to safeguard a national treasure for generations to come.”