Garza: “All Countries Have an Obligation to Work Together to Protect their Cultural Patrimony from the Illicit Trade in Art and Antiquities so that Future Generations can Appreciate their Heritage” Mexico City, August 23, 2006 – “A stolen piece of art has been rescued and returned to its rightful owner, the people of Mexico, thanks to good work and cooperation between Mexican law enforcement authorities and the Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Generations of art lovers will owe a debt of gratitude to investigative agencies on both sides of the border and to the San Diego Museum of Art for returning the painting,” said Ambassador Antonio O. Garza, Jr.
“Adam and Eve cast out of Paradise was stolen in 2000 from a church in the town of San Juan Tepemazalco in Zempoala, in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. This masterwork was damaged by thieves who literally ripped the painting from the church walls. Mexican authorities tracked the painting to San Diego, where it had been purchased and restored to its original condition by the San Diego Museum of Art in 2001. Talks between Museum officials and law enforcement representatives in the United States and Mexico made possible the return of this important painting,” added Garza.
Historians believe Adam and Eve cast out of Paradise was used by missionaries to convert indigenous Mexicans to Christianity. The artist who painted this masterwork is unknown.
Said Garza, “Like all who appreciate art, I look forward to viewing Adam and Eve cast out of Paradise in its appropriate setting in Mexico. The theft of this invaluable masterwork should serve as a warning: we all lose when our cultural heritage falls victim to thievery or decay. Returning Adam and Eve cast out of Paradise underscores the American commitment to returning illegally acquired works of cultural patrimony to their country of origin and our resolve to stamp out the illegal trade in antiquities.”
|
