The titular painting of the Comino Chapel is currently undergoing restoration and conservation works, which have now reached an advanced stage.

Financially supported by Bank of Valletta, this project is expected to be completed by mid next year.

The painting, an early 18th century oil on canvas, features a unique subject as it represents the Return of the Holy Family from Egypt on their way back to Nazareth.

As a centrepiece, the figure of Jesus being held by Our Lady can be seen. Further back, the picture features the figure of St. Joseph, and a donkey who transported the Holy Family all the way through their voyage.

The painting was transported from Comino to PrevArti’s laboratory in August, where the works on the project commenced immediately with a photographic documentation, followed by an Anoxia Disinfestation Treatment.

Cleaning tests were carried out prior to the commencement of the full cleaning process which is currently ongoing and consists of the removal of old retouching that was done in previous restoration interventions.

The project will then enter a second phase where works will focus on the original canvas which will be removed from the inner frame and eventually separated from another canvas, currently attached at the back. This process will serve to preserve and enhance the original canvas.

PrevArti’s Founder and Senior Conservator Pierre Bugeja, said that he is hoping that at the rear of the original canvas, light will be shed on the author behind this masterpiece, who to date is still unknown.

“In the early 18th century, it was quite common that artists were keeping themselves anonymous. However, the frame and the faces of the figures in the painting, are very similar to others featuring in paintings found at Nadur Parish church.”

He added that, “it is therefore not excluded that this painting originates from the hands of one of the artists who are already known to have worked on paintings of the Nadur Parish. However so far we can not say this with certainty.”

Bank of Valletta’s PR & Marketing Executive, Charles Azzopardi during a visit to PrevArti’s laboratory in Mosta, praised the work of the restorers and recalled how the bank through this project continues to fulfil its commitment to preserve the art and culture for future generations.

He said that, “Bank of Valletta is proud to associate itself with projects of this calibre. We felt the need to be part of this project, both because of the artistic value of this masterpiece, as well as for the unique subject it portrays.”

The chaplain of the Comino Chapel, Mgr Joseph Attard, said that once he took charge of the chaplaincy, he immediately felt the need to conserve this painting.

“I am already looking forward to see the completion of the restoration process, and then we will welcome back the painting for public admiration at our chapel in Santa Marija Bay by May 2020.”

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