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Abraham and Isaac: Sculptures returned home after Spanish Supreme Court decision

Abraham and Isaac Returned Home Center for Art Law

Abraham and Isaac, attributed to Maestro Mateo, Museo do Pobo Galego

By Lucas Güimil Valdés

Introduction

In a recent ruling, 18 June 2025[1], the Supreme Court of Spain decided that two sculpture of Abraham and Isaac attributed to Maestro Mateo[2], originally part of the Portico of Glory of the Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral[3], must be returned to Santiago de Compostela. At the time, the sculptures were in possession of the Franco family. The pieces were restituted on the 1st of December 2025 and are currently on temporary display at the Museo do Pobo Galego (until 30 May 2026)[4] as part of an exhibition entitled Restitution of the Sculptures of San Mateo:

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Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to provide legal advice. Readers should not construe or rely on any comment or statement in this article as legal advice. For legal advice, readers should seek a consultation with an attorney.