Stolen Medieval Sculpture Returned to German Church After 51 Years

The 'Anna selbdritt' sculpture was discovered in a Swiss auction catalog and will be returned to its original church in Wiesensteig.

The 'Anna selbdritt' sculpture, stolen in 1973 from the St. Cyriakus church in Wiesensteig, was found listed in a Swiss auction catalog.
A knowledgeable art enthusiast recognized the sculpture and alerted the authorities, leading to its identification as stolen property.
Created by 15th-century artist Hans Multscher, the sculpture depicts Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary, and the Christ Child, symbolizing three generations.
The sculpture had been unknowingly purchased by a couple in the 1970s and was part of their private collection until they decided to sell it.
The couple agreed to return the sculpture to the church, with a formal handover planned for this Friday.