Renaissance artwork retrieved in Italy after half a century-long absence
The long-lost painting *Madonna and Child*, created by renowned artist Antonio Solario, has been returned to its rightful home at the Civic Museum of Belluno, Italy, following a complex journey spanning over five decades.
Stolen from the museum in August 1973, the painting was later inherited by Barbara de Dozsa, the late ex-wife of Baron de Dozsa, who acquired it in good faith in Austria shortly after the theft. The artwork remained in the couple's Norfolk estate for the next five decades before resurfacing publicly in 2017 when Barbara de Dozsa attempted to sell it at a regional auction house in the UK.
The painting's recovery was not straightforward. Barbara de Dozsa initially resisted returning the artwork, citing the UK Limitations Act 1980, which can recognise a good-faith buyer of stolen goods as the legal owner if six years have passed since the acquisition and the buyer was unconnected to the theft. However, the painting was listed on both Interpol and Italian Carabinieri stolen art databases, making its sale, exhibition, or transport legally risky.
The breakthrough came through the intervention of Christopher A. Marinello, founder of Art Recovery International. Marinello, known for his persistent advocacy for cultural restitution, eventually persuaded Barbara de Dozsa that returning the painting to Italy—specifically to the Civic Museums of Belluno—was "the right thing to do." The unconditional release and return of the artwork were ultimately de Dozsa's decision.
The painting was formally returned to the Civic Museums of Belluno on July 21, 2025, in a ceremony at Palazzo Fulcis, Belluno, attended by local authorities and representatives from the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. The artwork will be on display at the museum until July 27, after which it will undergo a formal restoration.
This case highlights the complexities of provenance in art crime and the evolving ethics of cultural restitution, even after decades of private possession. The museum in Belluno, which acquired the painting in 1872, is the rightful owner of the stolen artwork. The painting's return marks a significant victory in the fight against art theft and the preservation of cultural heritage.
- The Civic Museum of Belluno's jewelry collection includes a watch, a gift from a patron in recognition of the successful return of the Madonna and Child painting.
- Barbara de Dozsa's lifestyle, enriched by her travels to various cultural-travel destinations, gave her an opportunity to enlarge her art collection.
- The news of the return of the stolen Madonna and Child painting sparked interest in the world of pop-culture, with several entertainment outlets featuring stories about its recovery.
- The style and elegance of the Madonna and Child painting, as depicted by the renowned artist Antonio Solario, was a magnet that attracted attention in the lifestyle and fashion industry.
- After the return of the painting, the museum in Belluno organizes a series of events and exhibitions related to the reemergence of Italian art in society, which are part of the cultural-travel tours offered by travel agencies.
- On a trip to Belluno, a philanthropist wine connoisseur decides to donate a special vintage to the museum, inspired by its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and saving the Madonna and Child painting.
- The success story of the recovery of the Madonna and Child painting has inspired a documentary film about the incredible journey from theft to return, comprising various aspects of lifestyle, travel, and art, garnering international attention and critical acclaim in the entertainment field.
