Spanish police have successfully recovered the fourth stolen painting by Francis Bacon, titled “Study for Portrait of José Capelo,” valued at $5.4 million. The stolen paintings were from a collection owned by a close friend of Bacon and were said to be worth a total of 25 million euros. The theft was reported in 2015, and the recent recovery comes following the arrest of two suspects linked to the theft of these valuable works.
The painting, which features a man’s head, was stolen from a Madrid apartment and is part of a collection of five works by Bacon that were taken. Police have made a total of 16 arrests in connection with the theft, including the thieves and those who received the stolen artwork. Investigators are now focusing on Spaniards who have connections to criminal gangs from Eastern Europe as they continue to search for the fifth missing painting.
Francis Bacon, an Irish-born painter, frequently visited Madrid to study old master paintings in the Prado Museum. He had a strong connection to the city and eventually passed away in Madrid in 1992 at the age of 82. The recovery of the stolen painting represents a significant breakthrough in the investigation, as efforts to locate the missing works have been ongoing since the robbery was reported to the police.
The stolen artwork is a valuable part of Bacon’s collection, with each piece holding significance both artistically and monetarily. The recovery of the fourth painting is a testament to the efforts of Spanish law enforcement in combating art theft and working towards the return of stolen cultural artifacts. The continued search for the fifth painting and the focus on individuals with connections to criminal networks indicate the complexity and scope of the investigation.
The stolen paintings by Bacon were highly sought after due to their artistic value and connection to the renowned painter. The recovery of the fourth painting provides hope for the eventual return of all missing pieces and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting valuable art and cultural heritage. The ongoing investigation highlights the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and art institutions to combat art theft and ensure the preservation of important works of art for future generations to enjoy.
The recovery of the stolen painting is a positive development in the case, as efforts to track down the missing works continue. The investigation into the theft of Bacon’s paintings underscores the significance of art in society and the need to safeguard these precious pieces from theft and illicit trafficking. The recovery of the fourth painting brings renewed attention to the case and serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage worldwide.
