` ` Madonna and Child '' was listed for auction in January by Christie 's . Sotheby 's had described it as sharing `` an affinity with models by Duccio di Buoninsegna '' ( a painter of that time from the Tuscan city of Siena ) but concluded that it was more likely the work of a Florentine painter influenced by Cimabue ( a pioneer in the post-Byzantine style who was a contemporary of Duccio ) , according to documents cited in a forfeiture complaint filed this week in the Manhattan U.S. attorney 's office . Christie 's , after investigating the artwork , withdrew the listing . It was reported missing nearly 20 years ago , after a co - owner sold it . An official investigation began in 1991 , but it remained missing until this year .
` ` Madonna and Child '' was listed for auction in January by Christie 's . Christie 's , after investigating the artwork , withdrew the listing . It was reported missing nearly 20 years ago , after a co - owner sold it . An official investigation began in 1991 , but it remained missing until this year .