BOV Foundation supports the restoration of Ramiro Raffaele Calì’s altar painting of St Joseph and the Infant Christ

The BOV Foundation has supported the conservation and restoration of the oil-on-canvas painting depicting St Joseph and the Infant Christ at the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven in Mġarr. Dating back to 1927, the painting is signed by Ramiro Raffaele Calì, son of the renowned Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì, from whom he inherited both stylistic influence and a sensitivity to ecclesiastical commissions.

The restoration project was carried out by ReCoop–The Restoration and Conservation Coop Ltd. During a visit to 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 restoration 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.

The painting, executed in oil on a thin canvas attached to a wooden auxiliary support, had become loose at the bottom, exposing torn and fragile areas of the canvas. Conservators consolidated the weakened areas and repaired the damaged support. They also carefully removed layers of dust, dirt, aged varnish, wax and unwanted overpainting that had obscured the artwork’s original appearance. Areas of paint loss were treated and retouched to restore the visual unity of the work, with reintegration carried out using reversible materials and techniques.

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

Commenting on the project, Ernest Agius said the Foundation is proud to support another initiative that safeguards 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. Mr Agius also expressed his pride in the positive impact made by BOV employees through their voluntary work in both the social and environmental sectors.