Valletta-born artist Giuseppe Calì is known for his many paintings found in churches around Malta and Gozo.

However, the old parish church in the heart of Ghajnsielem is considered an artistic landmark, as it holds nine of Calì’s canvases.

The church was built to house a statue to the Blessed Virgin of Loreto, sculpted by a local farmer called Anglu Grech after he saw a vision.

The statue soon became a focal point for people in the village and a chapel was eventually erected to host it in 1810, which was subsequently enlarged over the years, getting to its present size in 1877. It was, however, still too small for the growing population and a new parish church started to be built in 1922.

Financed by Bank of Valletta and commissioned by Archpriest Rev. Canon Frankie Bajada, the restoration of these nine treasures is now complete, securing the longevity of these prolific artifacts.The restoration project for the nine paintings was first announced in 2013.

The Bank said that the preservation of artistic and cultural works is a gesture that revives the appreciation of compositions buried for decades, possibly centuries.

“The rich heritage of our country is a value that we must preserve and exhibit for the upcoming generations,” stated Charles Azzopardi, Executive PR & Marketing at Bank of Valletta.

He added that, “over the years, the Bank has had its name associated with several prestigious projects, such as the Ta’ Giezu Crucifix and the 18th Century titular painting depicting The Sacred Family upon its return from Egypt, found at the chapel in Comino.”

Fr Charles Vella, who was entrusted with the restoration project, explained that infilling and reintegration were necessary to recover the paintings’ original aesthetic conditions.“Dating back to the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, these paintings were damaged by tears and fungus infestations,” stated Fr Vella. Preventive conservation was also undertaken to minimise future decay and unnecessary treatments.

Research conducted before the restoration project reveals that Giuseppe Calì applied his techniques through handmade colours consisting of natural minerals.

He explained that among other discoveries, was the word ‘Inglesi’ (English) inscribed on the snake in the titular painting of the Immaculate Conception, a clear sign of Calì’s lack of fondness towards the British, which is also subtly documented in other works of his.

The other paintings restored were those of the Annunciation, the Assumption, St Andrea, St Anthony, St Paul, The Nativity, Our Lady of the Rosary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The restored paintings are displayed inside the old Ghajnsielem Church, and visitors can now admire these artistic gems and connect to the Maltese cultural heritage.

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