A 16th-century painting stolen more than 50 years ago has been found in the UK. However, the new owner refuses to give it back (2 photos)
The painting "Madonna and Child" was painted by the Italian artist Antonio Solario. Since 1872, it was in the city museum of Belluno. In 1973, several paintings were stolen from there, including "Madonna and Child". 
Some of the stolen paintings were later found in Austria. Solario's painting now belongs to Norfolk resident Barbara De Dosa. She refuses to give the painting to the authorities, since her late ex-husband, Baron De Dosa, bought the painting in good faith in 1973.
In 2017, De Dosa attempted to sell the Madonna and Child at a regional auction, but it was brought to the attention of a person associated with the Belluno museum. The specialist confirmed that the painting was wanted by Interpol and the Italian Carabinieri.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian authorities were unable to provide the relevant documents requested by the British police, so the painting was simply returned to Barbara De Dosa in 2020.
Christopher Marinello, an art specialist, repeatedly tried to convince her to return the painting to its rightful owner.
However, Barbara refers to the Limitation Act of 1980, which states that someone who bought stolen goods can be recognized as the rightful owner if the purchase was “not connected with theft” after more than six years. In addition, the British police returned the painting to her.
"This simply shows the inability of law enforcement to help the Italians. The British police said that this woman had not committed a crime, so they did not consider it a criminal case. Instead, they considered it a civil case," Marinello explained.
According to him, Barbara De Dosa claims that, in addition to the costs of storing and insuring the painting, she had to pay £6,000 in legal costs. At the same time, Marinello notes, the woman will never be able to sell the painting: "No legitimate auction house will ever touch it... The Carabinieri have it in their database. As soon as this painting gets to Italy, it will be confiscated." 
