A 16th-century painting stolen from an Italian museum over 50 years ago has resurfaced in England but is now at the center of a legal dispute, as its current owner refuses to return it.
The artwork, Madonna and Child by Italian painter Antonio Solario, was stolen in 1973 from the civic museum in Belluno, a town in northern Italy’s Dolomite mountains. It was later acquired by Baron de Dozsa and taken to his Tudor manor house in eastern England. After his death, the painting remained in the possession of his ex-wife, Barbara de Dozsa.
A Battle Over Ownership
Christopher Marinello, an art recovery lawyer, has vowed to return the stolen painting to Belluno, citing his family connection to the region. Marinello, whose firm, Art Recovery International, has helped recover stolen artworks by artists such as Henri Matisse and Henry Moore, has been leading efforts to reclaim the piece.
However, de Dozsa has refused to surrender the artwork, despite reportedly stating that she “never really liked it” and does not display it because it reminds her of her ex-husband.
Painting Recognized at Auction
The painting’s rediscovery occurred when de Dozsa attempted to sell it through an English auction house. The stolen artwork was identified, prompting an investigation by Norfolk Constabulary. However, the British authorities ultimately returned it to de Dozsa, citing a lack of response from the Italian authorities over the years.
Legal and Cultural Significance
While Solario’s paintings have been auctioned for several hundred thousand dollars, Marinello estimates Madonna and Child is worth less than £100,000. However, he argues its significance goes beyond its monetary value, emphasizing its importance to the people of Belluno, as Solario was originally from the region.
Sources By Agencies
