The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities announced the return of a valuable piece of art. Authorities recovered the painting by Akram Shukri, a renowned Iraqi artist, after it went missing for over two decades.
On Saturday, the director of the plastic arts department, Qasim Mohsen Hassan, shared details about the recovery. He confirmed that the lost painting, titled The Spindle, had belonged to the Modern Art Museum’s collection. The ministry worked with customs officials at Baghdad International Airport to retrieve it.
Significantly, this piece represents an important part of Iraq’s artistic history. The painting by Akram Shukri had disappeared in 2003 during a period of national turmoil. Since then, it remained unaccounted for. However, recent efforts succeeded in tracking and recovering it.
To ensure authenticity, a special committee of museum experts conducted a thorough evaluation. This team included professional artists and preservation specialists. They confirmed that the painting by Akram Shukri was genuine and ready to return to its rightful home. Now, the artwork has returned to the Modern Art Museum.
The ministry praised the collaborative work between customs officials and cultural authorities. They emphasized the importance of protecting national heritage through continuous cooperation.
Furthermore, Qasim urged citizens to support this mission. He encouraged anyone who holds museum property to return it to the appropriate institutions. In his statement, he stressed that the preservation of art is a shared duty.
This event marks a significant victory for Iraq’s cultural sector. It highlights the value of art and the importance of restoring what has been lost. Most importantly, the return of The Spindle reminds the world of the enduring legacy of the painting by Akram Shukri.
