11/12/2001

On the 9th of December a painting attributed to Francisco de Goya was stolen from the exhibition “Torino Antiquaria” held in Turin. The small oil (27.5 x 20.5 cm) depicts Count Ugolino della Gerardesca, the legendary 13th century figure accused of eating his sons to survive while imprisoned, an episode related by Dante in the Inferno. The painting belongs to a Turinese antiquarian who purchased it in 1999 for $ 200,000 (€ 225,000) and is not believed to have been documented by the Italian Art Heritage Authorities. The art historian Maurizio Marini had confirmed the picture as an original by the Spanish master, although some doubts as to its authenticity have been aired. A visitor to the exhibition took the work and hid it under his coat, apparently walking away undisturbed. The police stated that the level of security was not sufficient. A German art insurance company reportedly insured the painting for around $ 500,000 (€ 562,500). (Luisa Vassallo)