Island Insurance Sponsors Restoration of 16 th Century Painting of St Catherine at Palazzo Falson

A small 16th century oil painting depicting St Catherine hanging in the bedroom of
Palazzo Falson in Mdina has just been restored thanks to a sponsorship by Island
Insurance Brokers.

The support towards the restoration work conducted by Prevarti was kindly supported
by Island Insurance Brokers as a long-standing supporter of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju
Malti.

“Our sponsorship not only sustains Island Insurance Brokers’ connection to the arts but
also represents our line of business where we offer protection in the form of insurance
to some of the most prestigious companies and organisations in Malta,” said Lawrence
Pavia.

“The 16th Century  painting, is by an unknown artist. Nonetheless, it belongs
to one of the most prized historic collections in Malta and we were very proud to have
been approached by Palazzo Falson’s Historic House Museum to intervene and support
this restoration project,” he added.

The painting on panel, depicting St Catherine, underwent a much-needed cleaning
process before it was studied through UV photography. It then underwent restoration
and conservation with several saved fragments from the damaged painting placed back
in their respective areas and other losses reintegrated.

Also significant is the painting’s bulky frame which was also retouched in order to
integrate the losses and given a final protective layer.

Thanking Island Insurance for their support, Palazzo Falson’s Historic House Museum’s
Curator Caroline Tonna emphasized that it is thanks to the support of companies like
Island Insurance that our country’s historic legacy can be protected for the enjoyment
and appreciation of others. We are proud of this latest restoration project and we augur
that more companies will eventually come forward to support the museum.”