Disputed 16th-Century Madonna and Child Painting Remains in the UK Despite Italian Claims
A 16th-century Madonna and Child painting, stolen from a museum in northern Italy more than 50 years ago, has resurfaced in Britain, where its current holder refuses to return it despite its listing on international stolen art databases.
The artwork, attributed to Antonio Solario, was acquired by the Civic Museum of Belluno in 1872 and remained there until it was stolen in 1973. While some of the stolen paintings were recovered in Austria soon after, this particular piece ended up in the possession of Barbara de Dozsa in Norfolk. She maintains that it belongs to her, as her late former husband, Baron de Dozsa, purchased it in good faith in 1973. The couple displayed the painting at East Barsham Manor, a 16th-century home once favored by Henry VIII.
In 2017, De Dozsa attempted to sell the artwork through an auction house, where it was identified by a person associated with the Belluno museum. It was subsequently confirmed to be on police watchlists, including those of Interpol and the Italian Carabinieri. However, due to delays in document submissions by Italian authorities, British police returned the painting to De Dozsa in 2020.
Art lawyer Christopher Marinello has made multiple efforts to persuade her to return the painting to its original owner, arguing that it is the right thing to do. De Dozsa has cited the Limitation Act 1980, which can allow a buyer of stolen goods to be recognized as the legal owner after six years if the purchase was unconnected to the theft.
British authorities maintain that De Dozsa did not commit a crime and have classified the dispute as a civil matter rather than a criminal case. The Civic Museum of Belluno has also stated that the return of the painting does not equate to granting De Dozsa legal ownership.
Marinello, founder of Art Recovery International, has recovered numerous stolen artworks, including a long-missing Matisse painting stolen from Stockholm’s Museum of Modern Art in 1987. He argues that the painting rightfully belongs to the people of Belluno and has attempted to negotiate its return without financial compensation.
De Dozsa initially indicated that she would return the painting if her legal fees, totaling £6,000, were reimbursed. After securing funding for the amount, Marinello claims she changed her mind and is now demanding the painting’s full market value, estimated between £60,000 and £80,000. He asserts that she will be unable to sell the piece, as it remains listed in the Carabinieri’s database of stolen art.
Norfolk Constabulary stated that, following guidance from the UK Central Authority, the painting was released to De Dozsa due to the lack of response from Italian authorities over several years. However, they clarified that this did not constitute an official transfer of legal ownership.
De Dozsa has declined to comment on the case.
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