A “Madonna and Child” painting by Venetian artist Antonio Solario (c. 1465-1530), stolen from the Civic Museums of Belluno over half a century ago, was officially returned to the Dolomite city today.
The artwork, missing since the night of August 24-25, 1973, when it was taken alongside other pieces, was delivered to the museum by the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC). This unit identified the tempera-on-panel (86×67 cm) in 2017 following a tip-off that it was slated for sale by UK auction house Keys Fine Art of Norwich.
Investigations led by the Belluno Public Prosecutor’s Office located the painting’s holder, a woman reportedly unaware of its illicit origins. Extensive negotiations resulted in an out-of-court settlement. The artwork was consequently handed over to the TPC weeks ago at the Italian Embassy in London.
The painting belonged to a collection bequeathed to Belluno in 1872 by local physician Antonio Giampiccoli. It formed part of the founding collection of the civic museum, first opened to the public in 1876.
Belluno’s Provincial Carabinieri Commander, Enrico Pigozzo, involved since 2022, described the case as complex: “A delicate dialogue unfolded between the Italian and British judicial authorities. The sensitivity of the situation demanded great attention,” Pigozzo emphasized, “and above all, perseverance in facing its complexity.”
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