A 16th-century painting by Antonio Solario, "Madonna and Child," which was stolen from the Belluno Civic Museum in 1973, has been successfully returned to Italy. The artwork was recovered from Barbara de Dozsa, the former wife of the late Baron de Dozsa, who had possessed the painting since her husband reportedly purchased it after its theft. The painting was formally returned to the Belluno Civic Museum on July 21, 2025, following extensive advocacy and legal negotiations.
Christopher Marinello, founder of Art Recovery International, spearheaded the effort to repatriate the painting. Marinello, who worked on the case pro bono, highlighted that despite UK law potentially supporting de Dozsa's claim under the Limitations Act of 1980, the painting's inclusion on Interpol and Carabinieri databases for stolen art meant it could never be legally sold, exhibited, or transported without risk of seizure. This legal reality, coupled with Marinello's persistent efforts, ultimately persuaded de Dozsa to agree to its unconditional return.
The painting's whereabouts became known in 2017 when de Dozsa attempted to sell it at a regional auction house. This attempt led to its identification as a stolen item, and the sale was halted. Although British police returned the painting to de Dozsa in 2020 due to documentation delays from Italian authorities, Marinello's continued advocacy and explanation of the legal risks associated with possessing stolen art were crucial in facilitating its eventual restitution.
The recovery of "Madonna and Child" was supported by a donation from Arte Generali, an art insurance company, which covered the logistical costs of the painting's return. The Italian Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage plays a vital role in maintaining the stolen art database, which is essential for due diligence and combating the trade of illicit works. This case exemplifies the complex legal and ethical challenges in art restitution, underscoring the global efforts to combat art theft and return cultural treasures to their rightful homes.