Authorities in Slovenia are investigating the disappearance of a bronze statue of Melania Trump, which was unveiled in September 2020. The statue, an artistic tribute to the former First Lady, has become the subject of controversy following its mysterious removal from the banks of the River Sava. The investigation has garnered attention, particularly due to the statue's tumultuous history, including a previous wooden version that was destroyed in a fire.
Missing Melania Trump Statue Sparks Investigation in Slovenia
Missing Melania Trump Statue Sparks Investigation in Slovenia
The bronze statue of Melania Trump, created by artist Brad Downey, has mysteriously vanished from its location in Sevnica, Slovenia, reigniting debate over its existence.
The iconic statue of Melania Trump, crafted by US artist Brad Downey, was unveiled in September 2020 on the banks of the River Sava in her hometown of Sevnica. Positioned atop a tree stump, this larger-than-life representation of the former First Lady recently vanished, leaving behind only its feet and the stump. Its disappearance comes four months after Melania Trump left the White House, stirring intrigue in the local community and beyond.
Brad Downey, who has emphasized the political nature of his artwork, seems to believe that the statue’s absence might be linked to rising tensions surrounding Trump’s potential re-election. While local police are treating the case as theft, the authorities in Sevnica have mixed feelings, condemning the act yet acknowledging that the former First Lady’s image is not a source of pride for many locals.
The statues’ misfortunes don’t end here; the original wooden version was destroyed in 2019 by an unidentified arsonist. Downey had commissioned the first artist, Ales “Maxi” Zupevc, to create the initial work, which lasted less than a year. Downey’s determination to create a more durable bronze statue was in part inspired by the artist's and Melania’s shared experiences of growing up in Slovenia.
Despite the apparent theft, the saga surrounding the Melania Trump statue raises questions about artistry, celebrity, and the cultural sentiment in Slovenia regarding its most famous daughter.
Local authorities are currently investigating the matter, emphasizing their stance against vandalism and theft of public property. As the narrative evolves, the fate of Melania Trump’s statue remains uncertain, captivating both local residents and international audiences alike.
Brad Downey, who has emphasized the political nature of his artwork, seems to believe that the statue’s absence might be linked to rising tensions surrounding Trump’s potential re-election. While local police are treating the case as theft, the authorities in Sevnica have mixed feelings, condemning the act yet acknowledging that the former First Lady’s image is not a source of pride for many locals.
The statues’ misfortunes don’t end here; the original wooden version was destroyed in 2019 by an unidentified arsonist. Downey had commissioned the first artist, Ales “Maxi” Zupevc, to create the initial work, which lasted less than a year. Downey’s determination to create a more durable bronze statue was in part inspired by the artist's and Melania’s shared experiences of growing up in Slovenia.
Despite the apparent theft, the saga surrounding the Melania Trump statue raises questions about artistry, celebrity, and the cultural sentiment in Slovenia regarding its most famous daughter.
Local authorities are currently investigating the matter, emphasizing their stance against vandalism and theft of public property. As the narrative evolves, the fate of Melania Trump’s statue remains uncertain, captivating both local residents and international audiences alike.
