Morocco Returns Stolen Guercino Masterpiece to Italy

Morocco has officially returned a 17th-century painting by renowned Italian artist Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Il Guercino (1591–1666), to Italian authorities. The masterpiece, titled “The Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist and Gregory the Thaumaturge,” was stolen in 2014 from the San Vincenzo Church in Modena, Italy, and later recovered in Casablanca by Moroccan officials.

The large canvas, measuring 293 x 184.5 cm and valued at approximately 6 million euros, was handed over on Saturday at the Casablanca police headquarters. The ceremony was attended by Italy’s ambassador to Morocco, Roberto Natali, an Italian delegation, and high-ranking Moroccan officials.

Hamid Bahri, Police Comptroller General and head of the Casa-Anfa district, emphasized Morocco’s commitment to fulfilling its international responsibilities, particularly in the field of security. He explained that the recovery of the painting is part of the broader efforts of the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) to respond to international alerts regarding the theft of valuable cultural property.

According to Bahri, the suspected main perpetrator has been arrested in Italy and is expected to be extradited to Morocco. Additionally, three other suspects were apprehended by police in the Hay Hassani district.

Italian ambassador Roberto Natali hailed the event as a new milestone in security cooperation between Rabat and Rome. He described the recovered painting as one of Il Guercino’s major works, with immense cultural significance. Natali expressed his gratitude to Moroccan authorities, particularly the Casablanca prefecture, for their effective intervention in locating the artwork.

Painted in 1639, “The Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist and Gregory the Thaumaturge” reflects Il Guercino’s naturalistic style, heavily influenced by Caravaggio (1571–1610). The artist’s mastery earned him widespread recognition across Italy and beyond.