An auction of 550 pieces of furniture and works of art from Versace’s Lake Como Villa will now go ahead without its star attraction lot 72. The 18th century masterpiece by the German neoclassical artist Johann Zoffany, was described by Sotheby’s experts as “rare”, “important” and “exciting”. The portrait of a Major Maule was completed by Zoffany in 1783.
The painting was stolen 30 years ago, some 15 years before Versace aquired it. It is believed that Versace did not know the painting was a masterpiece by a celebrated artist. The sale of the items is expected to realise about £ two million with the piece by Zoffany listed for between £40,000 and £60,000 but expected to go for a lot more.
Following pre-auction publicity, relatives of Major Maule contacted the Art Loss Register claiming the painting had been stolen. The Art Loss Register in turn contacted Sotheby’s who were holding the auction. Sotheby’s issued a statement saying “Lot 72 has been withdrawn with the full agreement of Sotheby’s consignor.” The statement didn’t comment on the allegation that the painting was stolen but the fact that lot 72 was withdrawn is a good indication of how seriously they are taking it.
How Versace acquired the painting is not clear but he did so some 15 years after the painting was stolen. There is no suggestion that Versace knew the painting was stolen and as was stated earlier, it seems he did not recognise the significance of the work.
Stolen art work is near impossible for the criminals to sell on; however, very occasionally the issue comes up. Readers may remember this blog covered the story of the bronze figures for sale in France that had been looted from China’s Beijing summer palace during the second Opium War. The piece was titled Art Auction Sabotaged
