Police recover stolen Picasso and Montrian paintings in Athens after nine years

·

Almost nine years after they were stolen in a near-perfect heist at the National Gallery in Athens, Pablo Picasso’s “Head of a Woman” and Piet Montrian’s “Stammer Windmill” have been found.

The two works were recovered in the eastern Attican town of Keratea, hidden inside the house of a Greek man, who was being monitored by police.

The perpetrators of the 2012 theft had also removed an early 17th-century sketch attributed to the Italian Mannerist artist Guglielmo Caccia. This sketch was found damaged.

Piet Montrian’s “Stammer Windmill” has also been found.

The two paintings are now in the possession of the police.

The 2021 art heist had baffled police. The two burglars entered the gallery in the early hours through an unlocked balcony door, having drawn security guards away from the paintings by setting off alarms at several locations throughout the museum. Security footage shows the men swiftly stripping the paintings from their frames. 

The paintings were stolen in a near-perfect heist at the National Gallery in Athens.

Although two men were arrested and convicted for the heist, the identity of the mastermind behind the heist remained a mystery.

Picasso painted “Head of a Woman” in 1939. Ten years later, he offered the work to the Greek people in honour of their contribution to the resistance under Nazi occupation.

On the back of the painting, a handwritten dedication of the Spanish painter states: “Pour le peuple grec, hommage de Picasso” (For the Greek people, tribute from Picasso).

Source: Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Iran-backed attack plan targeting Israelis in Cyprus thwarted

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Saturday that a planned Iranian-backed attack on Israeli citizens in Cyprus was thwarted.

Global fallout as US strikes Iran nuclear sites

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after the United States launched a major strike on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities.

ISIS suicide bomber kills 22 at Greek Orthodox church in Damascus

A suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus on Sunday left 22 dead and dozens injured.

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas sees shock exit from Madrid Open

Casper Ruud claimed one of the biggest wins of his career on Thursday to the disappointment of an on-form Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Court hears John Peros suffered ‘no serious harm’ from Shandee’s Story podcast

In 2013, John Peros’ former girlfriend Shandee Blackburn, was attacked on her walk home from work in Mackay, suffering 23 stab wounds.

Peter Katsambanis to fight for Hilarys Legislative Assembly seat

"In all marginal seats, all we can do is give our best, I'm an absolute fighter, I have never given up on anything in my life," Peter Katsambanis said.