The bronze tribute to Melania Trump, displayed in Sevnica, Slovenia, has gone missing just months after she left the White House. The sculpture was crafted by US artist Brad Downey and was unveiled in September 2020 on the banks of the River Sava, shortly before Melania returned to her far-off Washington residence.
Recent developments reveal that the statue's absence aligns with a series of unfortunate events surrounding tributes to the former First Lady. The first statue, a wooden creation by local artisan Ales "Maxi" Zupevc, was destroyed when an unknown assailant turned it into a bonfire on the Fourth of July shortly after its July 2019 unveiling. Thankfully, Downey had made a bronze casting of the original, which was designed to withstand such vandalism but seemingly failed to prevent its recent disappearance.
Authorities in Sevnica have officially classified the case as a theft and have launched an investigation to recover the statue. While local officials have expressed their disapproval of damage to property, sentiments toward the First Lady remain mixed, with some stating that her image is not a source of pride for the community.
Brad Downey, the artist behind the bronze statue, has noted that the piece was intended as a commentary on Melania Trump's privilege as an immigrant in the U.S. under her husband's administration, which many believe enforced strict policies against immigrant groups. Downey suggests that the statue's removal could be tied to political motivations stemming from potential re-election efforts of Donald Trump.
Police continue their investigation into the disappearance of this now infamous art piece.
Recent developments reveal that the statue's absence aligns with a series of unfortunate events surrounding tributes to the former First Lady. The first statue, a wooden creation by local artisan Ales "Maxi" Zupevc, was destroyed when an unknown assailant turned it into a bonfire on the Fourth of July shortly after its July 2019 unveiling. Thankfully, Downey had made a bronze casting of the original, which was designed to withstand such vandalism but seemingly failed to prevent its recent disappearance.
Authorities in Sevnica have officially classified the case as a theft and have launched an investigation to recover the statue. While local officials have expressed their disapproval of damage to property, sentiments toward the First Lady remain mixed, with some stating that her image is not a source of pride for the community.
Brad Downey, the artist behind the bronze statue, has noted that the piece was intended as a commentary on Melania Trump's privilege as an immigrant in the U.S. under her husband's administration, which many believe enforced strict policies against immigrant groups. Downey suggests that the statue's removal could be tied to political motivations stemming from potential re-election efforts of Donald Trump.
Police continue their investigation into the disappearance of this now infamous art piece.
