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Snatched Rodin sculpture found
18/06/2005 12:48 - (SA)
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| The Trunk of Adele sculpture by French artist Auguste Rodin. (AP ) |
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Santiago - A stolen Auguste Rodin bronze sculpture, valued at about $1m, was found late on Friday in a Santiago neighbourhood after it was seized by thieves from the city's National Fine Arts Museum, the education ministry said.
Police had earlier reported the theft of the bronze sculpture, known as Torse D'Adele (Adele's Torso), which is 47.5 centimetres high and weighs 20 kilograms.
The exhibit was suspended earlier on Friday, upon discovery of the theft.
The prized piece was found in Santiago's Forest Park where the museum is located, officials said. A young boy found the sculpture, taking it with him before he heard news reports of its disappearance and went on to hand it in to authorities.
The Rodin exhibit started in May and includes 62 sculptures, 30 drawings and 28 photographs from the collection of the Paris Rodin Museum. It was due to run through August 7 when it will return to France.
Some 100 000 people visited the show in its first month alone, organisers said, underscoring its popularity.
Rodin's works are "icons that are in the collective memory," said museum director Milan Ivelic, to explain their popularity in Chile.
Ivelic rushed back from Puerto Montt, southern Chile, when he heard of Friday's theft.
The late 19th century, early 20th century artist died in 1917 at the age of 77.
- AFP
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