"Traces illegal trafficking of art works, which intensified in Argentina between 1980-92. Author blames ambition of unscrupulous thieves stimulated by activity of the art black market. He also blames inefficient legislation and the incapacity of the official bureaucracy to act by itself. One of the most important thefts occurred at the cathedral of Rosario, which had its monstrance sold to the public in 1978. Works by El Greco, Goya, Renoir, Gaugin, and a number of Argentine artists, including decorative works from countless sources and public monuments, are still missing or vandalized"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.