Artistic Thieves! A sculpture by Manfred Erjautz was stolen from an exhibition in the cultural center of Graz on the Minorites. The bronze torch, which is about 60 centimeters high, is worth a few thousand euros.
The Graz-born sculptor Manfred Erjautz is one of the most internationally renowned artists in Styria. The eternal snowman in the courtyard of the Graz seminary or the outward-curved windows in Andrä’s church are his. Numerous exhibitions at home and abroad confirm his reputation.
In recent months, his work has also been recognized in his hometown. Under the title “Things/Dinge” numerous small sculptures and objects from his most recent creative period could be admired in the Minoriten Cultural Center on Mariahilferplatz.
Theft around July 12
Around July 12, a void suddenly appeared. One of his new works, the approximately 60 centimeters high bronze statue “Torch”, which looks like a burnt rafter, had disappeared. “The work is of great value,” says Erjautz, “that’s why the police classifies the case as aggravated theft.”
Not a trivial violation
With an appeal on social media, the artist wanted to encourage the thief or thieves to return before filing a complaint. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. “But I still hope that the ‘torch’ is handed over or that it turns up somewhere and the find is reported,” Erjautz says confidently. Still, he doesn’t understand what drove the thief to do what he did. “It’s not a trivial offense or even a joke.” And he’s right about that – serious theft is punishable by up to three years in prison.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
