The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Parish Church of Sannat, has completed the restoration of the 17th-century oil painting “St. Joseph with the Child Jesus” by renowned artist Mattia Preti. The artwork, located in the Parish Church of Sannat, has been given new life through months of meticulous work by a team of professional restorers.
Minister Camilleri stated that “this Mattia Preti painting is the fourth one known in our parish churches, and through this restoration it can now be enjoyed much more by the public.” He emphasised that the island’s churches, aside from their primary religious function, hold “a great historical heritage that we must all appreciate”.
The restoration process included careful documentation, advanced conservation techniques, and precise aesthetic integration. Efforts ranged from removing centuries-old varnish to repairing previous damages and crafting a replica frame that respects the painting’s historical context—all carried out with full respect for Preti’s original vision.
Such initiatives, the Ministry noted, are essential to safeguarding Gozo’s artistic heritage, allowing both residents and visitors to appreciate these works in their authentic environment. The Minister thanked the restoration team for their professionalism and affirmed the Ministry’s continued commitment to supporting similar cultural projects for present and future generations.
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