A wall painting, most likely dating to the period of the Knights of St John, was discovered during the restoration project of the Gran Salon, a unique surviving element that could reveal information of the decorative scheme of the Gran Salon prior to the early 19th century.

The Gran Salon is a majestic hall and one of the most captivating features of the Auberge de Provence which houses the National Museum of Archaeology.

Heritage Malta has embarked on an extensive conservation and restoration project since 2017 thanks to the support of Bank of Valletta. Scientific analyses and data extraction on the early 19th century mural paintings is enabling their conservation in the best possible manner. To date, the conservators have restored and conserved practically half of the Gran Salon walls.

Recently the restorers discovered evidence of an arch that had been blocked and historical research identified two fireplaces, likely introduced by the British in the 19th century within one of the walls. While removing the pointing of the blocked-off access, the restorers witnessed decorative elements completely different from the current decorative scheme of the Gran Salon. A small section of the arch was opened to assess this discovery further and exposed the decorative scheme, which was likely covered by the current one and which, although covered in soot, was relatively intact.

The uncovered part revealed part of a hand holding a trident, an image usually associated with a mythological figure. The rest of the painting is currently behind the fireplace shaft and the rest of the arch. This painting is, to date, the only surviving element which has potential to reveal information about the decorative scheme of the Gran Salon, preceding the early 19th century redecoration of this important ceremonial space. BOV Chief Marketing Officer Peter Halsor met with Heritage Malta CEO Noel Zammit and COO Kenneth Gambin to take a closer look at this very important discovery