Antonio Solario’s 16th-Century ‘Madonna and Child’ Painting Found in England 50 Years After Theft

Antonio Solario’s 16th-century painting Madonna and Child, which was stolen from the Civic Museum in Belluno, Italy, in 1973, has resurfaced 50 years later in Norfolk, England. However, Barbara de Dozsa, who currently possesses the artwork, is refusing to return it.

It is believed that shortly after the theft, the painting was purchased by Baron de Dozsa and brought to England. Following the Baron’s death, the painting came into the possession of his former wife, Barbara de Dozsa. In 2017, she attempted to sell the artwork through an auction house, but it was recognized by someone connected to the Belluno Museum and reported to authorities.

Norfolk police returned the painting to de Dozsa in 2020. British judicial authorities ruled against returning the piece to Italy due to a lack of sufficient response from Italian officials. Despite being listed in Interpol’s database of stolen art, the painting remains with de Dozsa.

Christopher Marinello, a lawyer specializing in the restitution of stolen art, is working to have the painting returned to Belluno. “This painting is not only valuable in monetary terms but also holds great cultural significance for the people of Belluno,” said Marinello. Yet, despite saying she doesn’t even like the painting and that it reminds her of her ex-husband, de Dozsa continues to refuse to return it.

Although the painting is estimated to be worth less than £100,000, its sentimental and cultural value to Belluno is immense. It now sits at the heart of an ongoing legal and ethical debate over rightful ownership.