Emvin Cremona’s titular painting of the Annunciation, which hangs behind the altar of the Dominican church-convent dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin in Birgu, was restored by Atelier del Restauro and inaugurated yesterday in the run-up to the feast of St Dominic this weekend.
The painting’s restoration was commissioned by Aaron Zahra OP, prior of the Dominican Convent and rector of St Albert the Great College, who recognised the painting’s artistic significance as well as its value to the local and wider community.
Valentina Lupo, Director at Atelier del Restauro, noted in a contribution to Timesofmalta.com that the painting, signed in 1959 and which measures 5.5 metres by 3.5 metres, is possibly one of the largest canvases he produced throughout his esteemed career, and has long served as a focus for the worship of the Virgin Mary for the people of Birgu.
The painting, which is just over 60 years old, was structurally stable, but “its surface showed clear signs of ageing and wear that, if left untreated, would have worsened in time. There were several detachments of the colour; in other areas, the colour was already lost,” Valentina noted.
Once completed, the painting’s vivid colours and expressive impasto details were evident again, “bringing renewed depth and luminosity to Cremona’s composition.”
The co-founder of Atelier del Restauro highlighted how, in her line of work, preventive care is emphasised over crisis intervention.
“This conservation project serves as an important reminder that even relatively recent works of art, particularly those of high artistic and cultural significance, require proper care,” said Valentina. “The intervention not only restored the painting’s aesthetic qualities but also ensured its preservation for future generations.”
Main image: Atelier del Restauro
