New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-17
FAMOUS PICTURE THEFTs.
Wertheimer Robbery in London Recalls Sew
ersl Similar Grimes

The burglary in London whereby Charles Vert
hemer lost two almost priceless gems Of art re-
calls 10 London Tit-Bi;s" other famous picture
tnefts
ia May, 1876 picture for which the Messrs Az
new had paid the then record price Of I00oo guineas
in Bond street and crowds daily
hocked thither to view the masterpiece On the
evening OF May x the picture was IN its place; on
the morning Of the next day when the attendant
opened he rooms empty frame met hls bewiI-
dered eyes.
The theft WAS wrapped in mystery and the where
abot It's Of the picture remained a matter Of con-
Jccture for more than twenty years. The canvas
however, was ultimately recovered IN 1901 through
information given by q certain Pat Sheady
which resulted in the Galrsborough's retlrn from
America whittier # had been taken by the actual
thief. Adam Worth Il IS now in the possession Of
Mr. Pie-pont Morgan.
IT the Royal Academy Of 1873 was exhibited a
picture by Sidney Cooper entitled The Monarch
OF the Meadows which later on became the prop
erty Of Mr. Alcroft fer t25ge In September 1851 a
fire broke cut IN roc.n wherein the picture had
been Put during some decorative alterations which
were taking place IN the house. When the con-
hasrauon was got under control was found that
the picture had disappeared. he canvas having
been cyt from the frame
For some time nothing was heard or the stolen
picture. hut eventually ar Acroft received a lei
ter stating that the writer had been one Of the
decorators engaged II the time Of the loss, and
that he and two others had promise OF large
reward. stolen the picture. which, as tho original
compact had not bean kept he willing 10
tmn for go Other Letters received from
une 10 time. but 10 final settlement was arrived
81 Until the end OF January 1882. when the thieves
We're captured uy the police and the picture was
found IN their possession
A picture robbery which created a stir through
OUT Inc civilized world that of the AurlO
from the Cathedral Of Seville. This. too. cut
from its frame. and like the tiainsborough
taken across the Atlantic 70 New York, where for
some time II remained in hiding. At last the
Ssc!aus VINO, refusing the reward Of ECO that
haG heen Onered for its recovery, returned II at
once 10 the Spanish authorities.
IN october I5yi the National Gallery suffered
a loss in the theft Of portrait OF Baron Dimsdae.
This. which by the celebrated miniature
painter Plimer, was, In broad daylight, unscrewed
was engaged in showing The whereabouts Of par
uculaf picture 20 inqurins visitor. TIE loss
was almost Immediately discovered, but the thief
managed 10 get clear of, and up 10 the preHent
has never been captured.
Ihe following year the Antwerp Museum was
robbed Of portrait by Franz Halls. valued at
stltutlon and the st. Louis Museum We're visited
by picture stealers, who made off with several
hgure subjects by Meyer Won Bremen. which were
cut from their frames.
Holben's '"The Field Of the Cloth Of Cold" on
view at Hampton Court Palace bears witness 10
this DAY OF theft that may be termed patriotic.
funds purposed the sale Of certain pictures this
among the number. The bargain was already
inspect Hobeins masterpiece he discovered that
The head Of Henry VIII had been cut from the
canvas
He naturally cried of and the picture IRE
man, who confessed 10 having committed the
theft for love OF art and country. returned the
position in the canvas the circle made by the
knife being still plainly visible.