AX Group is sponsoring the conservation of three 17th-century paintings by Mattia Preti in the Chapel of Saint Peter ad Vincula within the Jesuits’ Church in Valletta. Over three years, the paintings will be restored by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation in a controlled environment at St John’s Co-Cathedral.

This project builds on AX Construction’s extensive restoration works across the church, including the oratories and main church, involving stone conservation, recovery of original décor, and structural reinforcement.

Commissioned in 1662 by Pietro Rosselli and Alusietta Massa, the paintings reflect the enduring legacy of the Rosselli Massa family, whose former residence now houses Rosselli – AX Privilege, located just opposite the Jesuits’ Church. This initiative extends that legacy into the present day, shifting focus from architectural restoration to the preservation of artistic heritage, while reinforcing AX Group’s commitment to safeguarding Valletta’s cultural legacy.

The conservation works will focus on preserving the material integrity of the paintings while restoring their correct aesthetic and historical readability, in full respect of their authenticity. The intervention will begin with an in-depth diagnostic phase, including photographic documentation and non-invasive scientific analysis, to better understand the materials, techniques, and current condition of each work. This will be followed by the careful removal of surface deposits, oxidised varnishes, and non-original overpainting that have altered the original appearance of the compositions.

Particular attention will be given to the canvas support, with treatments to address any deformations, weaknesses, or previous incompatible repairs. Where necessary, consolidation of the paint layers will be carried out to ensure stability. Areas of loss will be reintegrated using reversible techniques, allowing for improved visual continuity while remaining distinguishable upon close inspection. The intervention will conclude with the application of a protective coating to safeguard the paintings against environmental factors, ensuring their long-term preservation and continued appreciation by the public.

Liberation of St Peter

The main altarpiece presents the moment in which St Peter is freed from imprisonment by an angel, set within a carefully constructed architectural space. Preti positions the figures centrally and slightly elevated, using a staircase and surrounding architectural elements to create depth and guide the viewer’s focus. 

The composition balances the dynamic interaction between the saint and the angel with the stillness of the guards, while a controlled use of light draws attention to the central figures. The conservation of this painting will involve surface cleaning to remove accumulated deposits, consolidation of the paint layers, and stabilisation of the support, ensuring that the contrast between light and shadow remains legible and faithful to the artist’s intent.

Martyrdom of St Peter

This lunette depicts the crucifixion of St Peter, capturing the physical strain and movement involved in the raising of the cross. The composition is tightly arranged, with the saint’s body set at an angle to create a strong sense of tension and immediacy. Preti draws on the influence of Caravaggio while developing his own interpretation through expressive gestures and a darker tonal range. The conservation process will address areas of paint instability and surface deterioration, including the removal of past interventions where necessary, allowing the original modelling of the figures and the intensity of the scene to be more clearly understood.

Meeting of St Peter and St Paul before Martyrdom

The second lunette illustrates the apocryphal meeting between St Peter and St Paul as they are led to their martyrdom. The composition is structured as a horizontal arrangement of figures, with the two saints placed at the centre in a moment of restrained interaction, contrasted by the movement of the surrounding figures. Preti creates visual rhythm through the opposing gestures of the saints and their captors, set against an open landscape with architectural remnants in the background. Conservation works will focus on cleaning the painted surface, securing fragile areas, and ensuring the overall coherence of the composition, preserving both the narrative clarity and the artist’s handling of light and form.

Learn more about how AX Construction restored the Jesuits' Church