The Museum of Fine Arts in Pau, France, has officially returned a painting by Spanish master Bartolomé Esteban Murillo to Madrid's renowned Prado Museum. The artwork departed Pau on Thursday, November 13, in the presence of numerous journalists, marking the end of nearly 120 years in the French museum's storage.

The small but significant painting, measuring 58 centimeters high by 48 centimeters wide, has generated more attention during its departure than throughout its long stay in the museum's reserves. Despite its modest size, the work possesses considerable charm and artistic value that has now been recognized by art historians and museum officials.

The painting depicts Saint Anne teaching the Virgin Mary to read, with Mary portrayed as a child in this intimate religious scene. Above the two figures, angels are shown flying, creating a celestial atmosphere typical of Murillo's baroque style. The artwork is presented in an ornate golden frame that emphasizes its historical and artistic importance.

This restitution represents a significant moment in art history, as the painting returns to its proper home at the Prado Museum after more than a century away from Spain. The transfer highlights ongoing efforts by museums worldwide to ensure artworks are housed in their most appropriate locations, taking into account historical provenance and cultural significance.

The artwork's return to Madrid marks not just a physical relocation, but a restoration of cultural heritage to its original context, where it can be properly appreciated alongside other masterworks of Spanish art at one of the world's most prestigious museums.