Over 200 Mozart Statues Vanish from Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is facing a peculiar mystery: more than 200 golden statuettes of the renowned composer have vanished from the city. The disappearance has left an exhibition dedicated to the 270th anniversary of Mozart's birth significantly depleted.

The installation, featuring 320 statuettes approximately 50 centimeters tall depicting Mozart with his dog, was created by German conceptual artist Otmar Herl. Initially presented on July 15, the figures began disappearing rapidly. Within two weeks, over 80 were gone, and by the current count, 210 are missing.

Herl expressed his dismay, stating, "The worst for an artist is when his work disappears." He believes the thefts are not the work of casual visitors but rather an "organized theft." The artist had planned to sell the statuettes for around 100 euros each after the exhibition concluded.

The mini-Mozarts were displayed in various locations, including the garden of Mozart's former home, his former living quarters, and several pavilions. Organizers had a reserve of extra statuettes for such an eventuality, but the number was insufficient to cover the actual losses. Furthermore, the manufacturer was on vacation, preventing the swift creation of replacements. The exhibition, now notably sparser, is scheduled to run until August 30.

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The worst for an artist is when his work disappears.