Theft of works worth nearly $ 150,000 was finally solved after 25 years

Two works by the legendary Quebec painters Jean-Paul Riopelle and Paul-Emile Bordevs, worth nearly $ 150,000 stolen over 25 years ago, have finally been found.

Sûreté du Québec (SQ) was approached by a law firm in 2019, who wanted to authenticate two paintings of great value to their client who had just purchased them.

However, inspections showed that the artifacts had been stolen in 1997 from Jean-Paul Riopelle’s house-studio on the waterfront in Saint-Margarit-du-Lock-Mason, Laurentians.

Regional police have launched an investigation. The file indicating the hidden charge against the collector was filed the following year with the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP).

However, after the analysis, the DPCP felt that we could not proceed and had to close the SQ investigation. The buyer of the stolen canvas will leave at no charge.

“It’s not surprising to me that, historically, it’s very rare to be charged in a case like this.

One of its treasures

During the theft, many things in particular were stolen Altar for idolaters, Oil on canvas painted by Paul-Emile Bordvas in 1946. According to his catalog Raison, the painting was exhibited in 1947 at the Gallery du Luxembourg. It was purchased by Jean-Paul Riopelle at a show in Montreal for $ 50.

“It’s his only boardwalk and it’s one of his treasures. He loved this painting, which is very important to him,” said his widow, Hugget Wachon.

Legally “clean”

Thanks to an international organization specializing in the search for stolen or lost artifacts, this canvas is now legally “clean”.

“Thanks to the agreement we signed it can be resold or shipped without any problems,” explained Christopher A. Marinello, president and founder of Art Recovery International, which represents the insurance company that paid for the painting during the flight.

As for the other canvas found, name Golden feathers And built by Jean-Paul Riopelle in 1988, its status unknown. It is still in the hands of the Quebec Collector.

Other paintings were found

According to Alain Lacorsier, a retired police officer who has become an art appraiser, the board canvas is worth about $ 100,000 while the riopelle is worth about $ 40,000.

Mr. Lacoursière found paintings from the same theft in 1999 in Trois-Rivieres when exhibited at a local antiques dealer. The fraudsters known to the authorities are from the zone.

“It is more important to find lost works than any value,” says Sophie Oullet, a Canadian art specialist. We find our roots by discovering our paintings. It really brings back the value of Quebec heritage and culture. ⁇

– With Roxanne Trudeau