Madonna asked to return famous work of art that went missing in WWI
Madonna has been asked to return a work of art that went missing during World War I.
The mayor of Amiens, in north France, has asked the pop star if she would lend them the 19th Century painting, which was once on display in the city's museum but was lost following German bombing in 1918.
French publication Le Figaro said the 'Diana and Endymion' painting by Jerome-Martin Langlois went on sale at an auction in New York in 1989, where Madonna paid $1.3 million (£1 million) for it.
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Amiens' mayor, Brigitte Foure, hopes that the painting's return could boost the city's chance of becoming European Capital of Culture in 2028.
In a video posted on Facebook, she said: "We do not dispute in any way the legal acquisition that you have made, but we are candidates to be European Capital of Culture in 2028.
"So I would like that on this occasion, this year, you could lend us your painting."
Madonna's reps are yet to comment on the request, which came just a day before the singer announced she'd be embarking on a world tour celebrating the four decades of her career.
The Queen of Pop will visit 35 cities during Madonna: The Celebration Tour, which kicks off in Vancouver in Canada on 15 July and will be followed by stops across North America.
The 64-year-old will then cross over to Europe, where she will perform in 11 cities throughout the autumn.
The tour will include a performance at The O2 in London on 14 October, as well as shows in Barcelona, Paris and Stockholm, and will finish at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on 1 December.
Billed as a 'one-of-a-kind experience', the tour also features special guest Bob the Drag Queen, real name Caldwell Tidicue, across all dates.
Madonna said: "I am excited to explore as many songs as possible in hopes to give my fans the show they have been waiting for."
She announced the tour with a video featuring DJ Diplo, actor Jack Black and rapper Lil' Wayne, which culminates with comedian Amy Schumer daring the global superstar to go on tour.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Madonna wrote: "Come join the party! #madonnacelebrationtour"
Last year, the singer marked the 40th anniversary of her recording debut.
The Grammy, Brit and Ivor Novello-winning singer has reportedly sold more than 300 million records worldwide.
She was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
Jake Massey