A work by Jean-Paul Riopelle hailed for its “precious” and “unique” character has been found in Mirabel, 17 years later with three other stolen pieces untraceable.
The Sûreté du Québec announced Friday that investigators from the Economic Crimes Investigation Service recovered the work in a July 20 search of a residence in Mirabel.
This search leads to a file detailing the multi-ten thousand dollar theft of a prominent Quebec painter’s studio in Sainte-Marguerite-du-lac-Mason, Laurentians, in 2005.
According to former detective sergeant Alain Lacourcière, who specializes in art theft, a neighbor was alerted by an alarm system at the time before the thieves got to the main works.
According to our sources, the information that led to the search in Mirabel came from a member of the public.
“unique”
In a press release published on Friday, SQ talks about the lithograph, but according to gallery owner Simon Blais, who participated in the work’s craftsmanship shortly after its discovery, it is truly what we can call an original work.
“It’s actually acrylic done on a 1970s print, a technique Riopelle often used in the 1980s,” explained Mr. Blais, who estimates the work is worth twenty thousand dollars.
Photo courtesy, SQ
The “unique” work discovered by the Sûreté du Québec is worth about $20,000, according to one expert.
For her part, Canadian art specialist Sophie Ouellet argues that the invention is an “improved” lithograph or “mixed technique” because Riopelle added details to it by hand after printing.
“When it’s enhanced with color, it becomes unique. At the gallery, we ask for more because there is only one like it. It becomes more valuable. »
Ms. According to Ouellet, Riopelle’s lithographs are particularly sought after by gallery owners because they are “so studied and so limited”.
“He is one of the only Canadian artists to have such a high regard for lithography. »
$100,000 Missing Artwork
So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the 2005 flight, the SQ indicates.
Photo courtesy, SQ
This “mixed media” piece, still missing after a 2005 theft, is said to be worth more than $100,000.
At least two of the three works are still missing (See photos) mixed media are also considered original works from 1983 and 1985. According to Simon Blais, a 1983 would cost more than $100,000, while a 1985 would cost around $25,000. At least three of the four works stolen in the 2005 theft were untitled. SQ has not released any information about the fourth task.
Photo courtesy, SQ
This other stolen work from the artist, made in 1985, is valued at $25,000.
According to our information, the investigators have met the residents of the impounded premises. It cannot be excluded that the work in question passed through the hands of several persons before ending up in Mirabel’s residence.
►SQ 2005 invites anyone with information about the theft or work to contact their Crime Information Center at 1 800 659-4264.
Who was Jean-Paul Riopelle?
Photo courtesy of Library and Archives Canada
Photographed in 1976 by painter Jean-Paul Riopelle in his studio in Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Maison.
Jean Paul Riopelle is one of the greatest Quebec and Canadian artists in history. Born in Montreal in 1923, he was one of the first Canadian artists to achieve international fame. His most majestic canvas, meeting place, is on display from 2021 in the Rideau Hall Ballroom, home of the Governor General of Canada. The artist, who died in 2002, was the subject of an exhibition devoted entirely to him at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts last year.
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