Spanish police have made a significant breakthrough in the case of the stolen Francis Bacon portrait with the recovery of the artwork, valued at an estimated â¬5 million ($5.42 million). The painting, entitled “Study for Portrait of José Capelo,” was one of the five portraits stolen from a residence in Madrid in 2015.
This particular artwork, created by the late Irish-born British figurative artist in 1989, is the fourth piece to be recovered of the group, with the collective value of the stolen paintings estimated at â¬25 million. The recovery comes after a series of ongoing investigations that have led to significant developments in the case.
In a major breakthrough earlier this year, Spanish authorities arrested two individuals suspected of being involved in the receipt of stolen artworks. This ultimately led them to the discovery of the stolen Francis Bacon painting at a property in Madrid, marking a crucial milestone in the investigation.
Since the start of the investigation, a total of 16 individuals believed to have been part of the planning and execution of the robbery have been apprehended by the police. This marks a significant breakthrough in the case, as law enforcement continues its efforts to bring justice in what has been described as one of the most significant art heists in Spanish history.
The recovery of the stolen Francis Bacon painting is a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the ongoing commitment to unraveling the mystery surrounding the theft of the valuable artworks. The painting’s retrieval sheds light on the relentless pursuit of justice and the recovery of stolen cultural treasures.
The ongoing investigation has also raised attention to the criminal networks involved in art theft, with a particular focus on Spanish nationals with potential links to organized groups from Eastern Europe. The authorities have emphasized that efforts to locate the remaining missing artwork and apprehend those in possession of it are continuing with full vigor.
The recovery of the stolen Francis Bacon painting serves as a beacon of hope in the art world, highlighting the dedication of law enforcement to safeguarding cultural treasures and bringing perpetrators of art crimes to justice. As the investigations continue, the art world eagerly anticipates the eventual recovery of the remaining missing works and the resolution of this high-profile art heist.
