UK returns stolen icon to Greece
A 14th-Century Byzantine icon, valued at £1m (1.2m euros) and stolen from a Greek monastery 30 years ago, has been returned to Athens from Britain.
The painting, which depicts Jesus Christ being lowered from the cross by John the Baptist, was cut into six pieces to be smuggled out of Greece.
A British court had ordered its return, dismissing an appeal by the owner...
The large painting was commissioned 700 years ago for the St John the Baptist monastery in Serres, northern Greece, and had hung there until its theft in 1978...
After its brief appearance [in court], the icon was taken away by restorers, who will spend several months attempting to repair the damage done by the thieves.
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The painting, which depicts Jesus Christ being lowered from the cross by John the Baptist, was cut into six pieces to be smuggled out of Greece.
A British court had ordered its return, dismissing an appeal by the owner...
The large painting was commissioned 700 years ago for the St John the Baptist monastery in Serres, northern Greece, and had hung there until its theft in 1978...
After its brief appearance [in court], the icon was taken away by restorers, who will spend several months attempting to repair the damage done by the thieves.