Spanish Police Recover a 16th-Century Virgin Relief Stolen 16 Years Ago
A 16th-century wooden relief stolen from the Monasterio de Santa Clara in Fitero has been recovered by police. The relief was found in Barcelona and has been returned to its rightful owners.
Spanish police have recovered a 16th-century wooden relief that was stolen from the Monasterio de Santa Clara in Fitero, Navarra, 16 years ago. The operation, led by Mossos d’Esquadra and the Policía Nacional, concluded with the return of the artwork to the legal owner. The relief, which once adorned the main altar, depicts San Buenaventura and is attributed to the circle of sculptor Juan de Anchieta.
The investigation revealed a complex journey for the piece. After being stolen, the relief surfaced at Madrid’s Rastro market, passing through several hands before ending up in a Barcelona auction house. Police intervened just before it was due to be sold, tracing its provenance through a chain of buyers and sellers. The auction house had acquired the artwork from another individual, who in turn had purchased it from a different establishment. This tracking allowed authorities to confirm the relief’s identity and origin.
The recovered artwork features intricate carving, gilding, and polychrome details. Its historical and artistic value is significant for Spain’s cultural heritage.