A stolen painting by 16th century Venetian artist Antonio Solario, depicting Madonna and Child, had finally returned to Italy after 52 years. The artwork was handed over to the Civic Museum of Belluno on July 21,2025 marking the end of a long and complex journey of loss, inheritance, legal conflict, and moral responsibility.
Originally stolen during a 1973 museum heist, the painting resurfaced after Barbara de Dozsa, who had inherited it from her late ex husband, attempted to auction it in 2017. The auction did not proceed, but the attempt brought the painting to the attention of Italian authorities and art recovery experts. Though U.K. law allowed her to keep it under The Limitations Act of 1980, which allows someone to own a stolen object after six years if it was acquired in good faith and without knowledge of its stolen status. However, the painting remained listed on the Interpol stolen art database, meaning it could not be sold, exhibited, or taken into Europe without risk of seizure.
Art recovery lawyer Christopher Marinello, founder of Art Recovery International. He took on the pro bono and spent over a year convincing de Dozsa to return the painting voluntarily. His efforts, driven by both legal expertise and personal conviction, ultimately convinced her to prioritize cultural responsibility over ownership. De Dozsa ultimately agreed to release the work.
Antonio Solario, also known as Lo Zingaro, was a prominent artist of the early 1500s, trained in Venice and associated with the Venetian school. He worked across Italy and is best known for his frescos in Naples.
Featuring Image Courtesy: The Art Newspaperr
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