Guercino work stolen in 2014 and found in Morocco would have been damaged

It would turn out to be “bent and worn” (so the ANSA news agency in a news release) the Guercino canvas, the Madonna and Child with Saints John the Evangelist and Gregory the Wonder worker (from 1629-1630), which had been stolen in Modena in 2014 and was found a few days ago in Morocco, after a local businessman reported the fences (immediately arrested) who had offered to buy the stolen painting from him. The painting, reads the agency release quoting sources close to the investigators, was reportedly “wrapped in a carpet” and “sustained damage that will most likely necessitate restoration.” Causing the damage was “the amount of time the cloth was folded and would therefore have worn away.”

Allvie lacks official confirmation. In the meantime, rather long waiting times are looming for the return, as announced by the director of the Galleria Estense in Modena, Martina Bagnoli, in an interview with the Resto del Carlino. However, it is entirely to be expected that the work, once restored (if the damage is confirmed, restoration will in fact be inevitable), will return to the church of San Vincenzo, that is, the building from which it was stolen. However, according to newspapers and agencies reporting local sources, authorities are already at work to start procedures for the painting’s return.

Sources: ANSA - Il resto del Carlino - MO24.it.

Pictured: Guercino, Madonna and Child with Saints John the Evangelist and Gregory the Wonderworker (1629-1630; oil on canvas, 293 x 184.5 cm; Modena, San Vincenzo, stolen in 2014)

Guercino work stolen in 2014 and found in Morocco would have been damaged

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