In a heist reminiscent of scenes from “The Thomas Crown Affair,” three high-value paintings were stolen during a burglary at Oxford’s Christ Church Picture Gallery over the weekend. The Thames Valley Police reported that the gallery was infiltrated by thieves around 11 PM on Saturday.
The stolen artworks, treasures of the University gallery, include rare masterpieces by Salvator Rosa, Anthony Van Dyck, and Annibale Carracci, dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. A study by The Times estimates the value of the pilfered artworks from the museum at around £10 million. Contrary to popular cinematic narratives, experts suggest that art theft gangs typically don’t steal on commission. Instead, their aim is often to secure a ransom payout from insurance companies.
The actual pieces were:
- Van Dyck’s A Soldier on Horseback (1616),
- Salvator Rosa’s A Rocky Coast, with Soldiers Studying a Plan (1640s)
- Annibale Carracci’s A Boy Drinking (1580)
In the wake of this audacious theft, the police are urgently appealing for any information regarding the break-in. A spokesperson from Christ Church college informed The Guardian that the gallery will remain closed until further notice
A report conducted by the Times estimates that the works stolen from the museum could be worth an estimated £10 million. Experts say that art theft gangs do not generally “steal to order”, despite movie myths. Instead, they are seeking to a ransom payout from insurers. Currently, the Police are appealing for any information on the break-in. A spokesperson for Christ Church college told the Guardian that the gallery would be closed until further notice.
©2020 Thames Valley Police
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