Giuseppe Cali’s apsidal painting at Sacro Cuor in Sliema restored

A few weeks ago, Bank of Valletta joined the Parish of Sacro Cuor, Sliema, to inaugurate the restoration of The Triumph of the Immaculate Conception, the dramatic apsidal painting by renowned Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì (1846–1930). The work, originally executed in 1892 using oil on stone, has been carefully conserved to its former radiance through a multi-stage process led by restorer Prevarti.

The evening opened with choir and organ, followed by reflections from Parish Priest Fr Martin Coleiro OFM and a step-by-step walkthrough of the conservation journey by Pierre Bugeja, founder of Prevarti. The inauguration and blessing of the restored apse were performed by W.R.P. Twanny Chircop OFM.

The restored main apse depicts the Madonna on a crescent, centred among a gathering choir of angels forming a distinctive V-shape. Heresy lies vanquished at her feet. Pope Leo XIII appears to the right, alongside the symbols of the Evangelists and two angels. Blessed John Duns Scotus OFM features to the left with angels and a red flag. The composition is structured on diagonals converging at the Madonna, rendered in Calì’s signature subtle pastel palette with romantic, saccharine overtones. The Navarro family coat of arms is visible in the left-hand corner.

Whilst giving an overview of the conservation project undertaken, Pierre Bugeja explained, “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.”

Addressing the congregation, Fr Martin said, “This restoration returns a powerful focal point to our parish—art that lifts eyes and hearts. We are grateful to all who made this possible, especially Bank of Valletta for championing our community heritage.”

Charles Azzopardi, Head of the Bank’s CSR team represented the BOV Foundation. In his intervention, he explained that, “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.”

This is another example of how Bank of Valletta continues to invest in Malta’s living heritage. By supporting the conservation of landmark works, it is helping communities preserve spaces and artefacts that bring people together.A few weeks ago, Bank of Valletta joined the Parish of Sacro Cuor, Sliema, to inaugurate the restoration of The Triumph of the Immaculate Conception, the dramatic apsidal painting by renowned Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì (1846–1930). The work, originally executed in 1892 using oil on stone, has been carefully conserved to its former radiance through a multi-stage process led by restorer Prevarti.

The evening opened with choir and organ, followed by reflections from Parish Priest Fr Martin Coleiro OFM and a step-by-step walkthrough of the conservation journey by Pierre Bugeja, founder of Prevarti. The inauguration and blessing of the restored apse were performed by W.R.P. Twanny Chircop OFM.

The restored main apse depicts the Madonna on a crescent, centred among a gathering choir of angels forming a distinctive V-shape. Heresy lies vanquished at her feet. Pope Leo XIII appears to the right, alongside the symbols of the Evangelists and two angels. Blessed John Duns Scotus OFM features to the left with angels and a red flag. The composition is structured on diagonals converging at the Madonna, rendered in Calì’s signature subtle pastel palette with romantic, saccharine overtones. The Navarro family coat of arms is visible in the left-hand corner.

Whilst giving an overview of the conservation project undertaken, Pierre Bugeja explained, “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.”

Addressing the congregation, Fr Martin said, “This restoration returns a powerful focal point to our parish—art that lifts eyes and hearts. We are grateful to all who made this possible, especially Bank of Valletta for championing our community heritage.”

Charles Azzopardi, Head of the Bank’s CSR team represented the BOV Foundation. In his intervention, he explained that, “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.”

This is another example of how Bank of Valletta continues to invest in Malta’s living heritage. By supporting the conservation of landmark works, it is helping communities preserve spaces and artefacts that bring people together.