The authenticity of a Renaissance-era bust attributed to Donatello has sparked controversy in Prague. The bust was discovered by Italian art historian Herucova in 2019 at a museum in Slovakia, where it had been attributed to an unknown 19th-century artist. However, Herucova believes the bust is genuine and hopes for further research to confirm this.
Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova's decision to remove the bust due to security concerns has added fuel to the controversy. Critics argue that the bust requires expert conservation and research to determine its authenticity, citing its complex history of being looted from a family's home after World War II. The removal of the bust has been met with resistance from some who believe it is an important cultural artifact deserving of further study.
Herucova's discovery has also reignited debate about the ownership and attribution of artworks with uncertain provenance, particularly those that have been looted or displaced during times of conflict. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether further research will confirm Herucova's suspicions about the bust's origins.