Bank of Valletta is currently exhibiting twelve works of art by the renowned Maltese artist Emvin Cremona. The exhibition consists of 11 reproductions and one original painting from the collection of 20 paintings that depict the life of Our Lady, and which are currently on permanent display at the Sanctuary of Ta’ Pinu in Gozo.

Bank of Valletta financed the restoration of the 20 paintings which were in actual fact the initial sketches for the Ta’ Pinu mosaics. The paintings were completed by Emvin Cremona between 1954 and 1962 and were hung in the Sanctuary until they were sent to Italy for the production of the mosaics. They were subsequently stored in a closet in the chapel, however over the years, the exposure to humidity led to severe deterioration.

The restoration works were entrusted to the prominent Gozitan restorer, Godwin Cutajar, and took three years to complete. Thus, in view of the fragility of the works it was agreed that only one original, ‘The Epiphany’, would be transferred to the BOV Centre for this exhibition, the other 11 reproductions on display are:

The Immaculate Conception, The Presentation of Christ, The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, Christ carrying the Cross, Pentecost, The Marriage of Cana, The Dormitio of the Virgin Mary, The Presentation of the Virgin Mary , The Holy Family, Christ amongst the Elders, The Birth of Christ

Emvin Cremona is one of the most prominent 20th century Maltese artists. Born in 1919, Cremona studied at the Malta School of Arts and also at the Regia Accademia delle Belle Arti in Rome. Some of his most famous works can be found in the Msida Parish Church, the dome of the Hamrun Parish Church and the Chapel at the Malta International Airport. A work by Cremona can also be found at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The exhibition, situated in the Foyer of the BOV Centre at Cannon Road St Venera, will remain open to the general public up the Friday 16th January 2009. Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm and Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm.