The theft of the century occurred at one of the most prestigious resorts in the U.S. Pebble Beach, located on the Pacific coast. 13 priceless paintings, including works by Renoir, Van Gogh, Miro, Matisse, Rembrandt and Pollock were stolen from the gallery, which was kept by two collectors.
The total cost of works of art was not determined, however, it was reported that only one painting by Pollock could cost 40 million dollars. Pictures in the gallery were not insured, because more than 300 masterpieces of world art were kept in the room, and the insurance of such collections could cost its owner about $30 million.
While under investigation, the owners of collections offered 1 million dollars for the return of the stolen paintings. However, judging from the circumstances of the case, the theft was committed by professional thieves, hunters after valuable collections, and such crimes often occur when the robbers already have an order for specific pictures from other collectors, who are dreaming of getting the masterpieces. So, the chances to awaken the conscience of the thieves or the lack of picture buyers are minimal.
We just remind that a wave of audacious robberies of museums and private collections was spread around the world, in September. Thus, the painting of famous surrealist Rene Magritte “Olympia”, valued 3 million Euros was stolen at the end of the month from a museum, in Brussels. The painting was stolen from the house-museum of the artist in broad daylight by two armed robbers.
And, the multimillion collections of works by Andy Warhol were stolen in early September, in Los Angeles from the home of a private collector. 10 paintings of a meter height were removed from the house that was closed and put on alarm. Police of the city was wondering how the thieves managed to enter the premises, and promised $1 million to anyone who will report accurate information about the whereabouts of works of art.
