Bank of Valletta supports resoration of Gianni Vella paintings

Bank of Valletta has announced its support forMarsa Holy Trinity Church in a significant restoration project involving four iconic paintings by the renowned Maltese artist Gianni Vella.

The works, dating back to 1912, are now being carefully restored to their original glory.

The paintings, each measuring an impressive 2.25 metres by four metres, are located in the choir of the Holy Trinity Church and represent Mr Vella’s early ecclesiastical phase.

The artworks being restored include St John baptising Christ in the River Jordan, Abraham Genuflecting in front of the three Angelic Visitors, The Sending of the First Apostles, and God Breathing Life into Adam.

These paintings showcase Mr Vella’s mastery of translucent glazes, a technique that characterised his early work before he transitioned to a bolder, impasto style influenced by Italian Macchiaioli artists.

Rather than drawing influence from Cali, Pisani or Palombi, his work comes closer to that of Silvio Galimberti and Francesco Grandi.

The conservation work, undertaken by Pierre Bugeja of Prevarti Co Ltd, has already seen the successful completion of two of the works of art, The Sending of the First Apostles and God Breathing Life into Adam, now returned to their pride of place within the Church.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) Ernest Agius, accompanied by Head CSR and Events Charles Azzopardi visited the church on the day that the works of art were reinstalled in their original locations within the church.

They were welcomed by Father Dominic Mangani, the Parish Priest of Marsa Holy Trinity Church.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr Agius noted that it is inspiring to see historic artworks restored to their former beauty.

“It is truly an honour to play a part in ensuring the longevity of these masterpieces so that they can be enjoyed by future generations,” he added.

Father Dominic Mangani expressed his gratitude for the restoration efforts. “These paintings are integral to the history and identity of our Church and our community. The restoration has revived their spiritual essence, and we are deeply thankful to the Bank for their support in preserving this invaluable part of our heritage.”

The remaining two paintings, St John Baptising Christ in the River Jordan and Abraham Genuflecting in Front of the Three Angelic Visitors, are currently undergoing restoration and are expected to be completed in the coming months.