Dalhousie University in Halifax has its bronze bust back.

The life-sized bust of Canadian pianist Ellen Ballon disappeared from its perch in the lobby of the Dalhousie Arts Centre late May 22 or early May 23.

University officials feared the artwork, which weighs between 34 and 45 kilograms, was stolen so that it could be melted down for the metal.

But late last week, someone dropped off the bust at a downtown law firm, which returned it to the university, a Dalhousie spokesman said.

The bust by Sir Jacob Epstein has an estimated value of about $7,000.