The BOV Foundation has supported the restoration of the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary at Maria Reġina Parish Church in Marsa, helping to preserve this 18th-century oil painting on canvas. Attributed to the school of Francesco Zahra, one of Malta’s leading painters of religious works, the painting reflects the rich character of the Maltese Late Baroque tradition.
The composition shows the Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ Child and surrounded by angels, as she presents the Rosary to St Dominic, kneeling on the left in the distinctive black-and-white habit of the Dominican Order. A dog, one of his traditional symbols, appears at his feet. On the right, St Catherine of Siena is depicted in the Dominican habit, alongside symbols of prayer and contemplation, including a skull, an open book and lilies.
The conservation project was entrusted to PrevArti’s team, whose careful intervention has given the painting renewed clarity and presence. Pierre Bugeja, Founder and Senior Conservator at PrevArti, said the work had been urgently required following several earlier interventions over the years and was obscured by layers of overpainting.
Mr Bugeja explained that the process involved removing accumulated dust and dirt, the deteriorated varnish, and any previously applied retouching; consolidating areas where the paint layer had become detached; and strengthening the canvas support to strengthen the fibres. It also addressed deformations in the canvas support, while areas of loss were filled and levelled using restoration gesso. Mr Bugeja noted that the conservators used ethical and fully reversible techniques to minimise the visual impact of these losses on the artwork’s overall aesthetic. The project was thoroughly documented, with detailed records produced before and after the conservation process. It was completed with the construction of a new decorative gilt frame, produced using traditional methods and designed to complement the historic character of the restored painting.
The restored painting has now returned to Maria Reġina Parish Church, where it has been placed more prominently for parishioners and visitors to appreciate.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ernest Agius, Deputy Chairperson of the BOV Foundation and Chief Operations Officer at the Bank, thanked Pierre Bugeja and his team for their outstanding work. “The Bank and the BOV Foundation are proud to help yet another community preserve a work of art that reflects Malta’s rich cultural heritage and the devotion of its people,” he said. “Our support is a testament to our commitment to being a trusted partner to the communities we serve.”
Mr Agius also underlined the Bank’s wider role in safeguarding Malta and Gozo’s artistic patrimony, noting that culture and heritage form one of the five pillars guiding the purpose of the BOV Foundation. Through its work, the Foundation also supports initiatives in social inclusion, ethical conduct, education, and environmental sustainability. He added that these efforts are complemented by distinctive initiatives such as volunteering leave for staff members, recognising that giving back benefits both the communities supported by the Bank and the employees who dedicate their time to them.
