Two stolen paintings by Fernando Botero recovered in Colombia
BOGOTA, Colombia - Two paintings by internationally renowned artist
Fernando Botero were abandoned in a Bogota park near the
international airport, police said Monday, nearly three weeks after
they were stolen.
The paintings entitled "The Lawyer" and "Onions" were stolen in mid-
September from the Museum of Antioquia in Medellin, 250 kilometers
(155 miles) northwest of the capital.
Bogota police believe whoever stole the paintings was preparing to
take them out of the country.
"Certainly, when they noticed the presence of police, they abandoned
them," said police chief Gen. Jorge Daniel Castro.
Four people were arrested in Medellin Monday in connection with the
theft.
Works by Colombia's best-known artist, characterized by chubby
characters, have been displayed in galleries around the world.
Botero's sculptures have graced avenues in cities from New York to
Madrid.