Versace’s return a stolen painting that was in Gianni’s collection

A painting by a 18th century artist has finally found its way back to its rightful owners, almost three decades after it was stolen from its rightful owners in 1979. In a rather fashionable twist, the piece entitled ‘Portrait of Major George Maule’ by Johann Zoffany ended up in the collection of Gianni Versace. It was found in his Lake Como villa and was set to be sold at auction last year before being withdrawn when a direct descendant of the subject contacted the Art Loss Register, who then contacted Sotheby’s. “There is no doubt that Gianni Versace had no knowledge that this painting was stolen when he purchased it in the 1980s,” said Christopher Marinello from the ALR. “This portrait does … hold particular sentimental value to the … heirs and the Versace family were extremely gracious in their willingness to compromise in seeing its return.” [Telegraph]