- Stolen 18th-century oil painting returned to rightful owner after being missing for decades, according to federal investigators.
- British artist John Opie’s painting was purchased by Dr. Earl Leroy Wood in 1930 and stolen from his Newark home in 1969 by mobsters.
- The painting’s whereabouts were unknown until an accounting firm in Utah discovered it among a deceased client’s estate in 2021.
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An oil painting from the 18th century that was stolen by mobsters from a New Jersey home in the 1960s has finally been returned to its rightful owner after being missing for decades, according to federal investigators.
The painting, created by British artist John Opie in 1784, was purchased by Dr. Earl Leroy Wood for $7,500 in 1930 in London, as reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Three individuals associated with organized crime broke into the Woods’ residence in Newark in 1969. Initially, they tried to steal a valuable coin collection but were unsuccessful due to a burglar alarm. However, they returned three weeks later and stole the Opie painting.
During a trial several years later, one of the men confessed to the burglary and testified that they had acted under the direction of Anthony Imperiale, a family friend who was present at the home after the failed burglary. The home’s caretaker had reportedly mentioned to Imperiale, who was a former New Jersey state senator, that the Opie painting was priceless. However, this claim was never substantiated, and Imperiale was never charged.
The painting was missing for several decades until 2021 when an accounting firm in Utah, acting as a trustee for a deceased client, discovered what they believed to be the stolen Opie painting. The firm had been hired to sell off the client’s estate for charitable purposes and realized the painting’s significance during an appraisal for an auction.
The client had unknowingly acquired the painting in 1989 when purchasing a home in Florida from Joseph Covello Sr., a member of organized crime who was later convicted of RICO charges. The client brought the painting to St. George, Utah, where it remained until their death in 2020.
The painting’s ownership was confirmed by a judge in Utah, and it was presented to Dr. Francis Wood, the son of Earl Leroy Wood, in Newark on January 11 by FBI Special Agent Gary France.
The Wood family expressed their shock and gratitude at the painting’s return. They had lost hope of ever seeing it again and considered its reappearance improbable and remarkable.
The case presented numerous challenges for the FBI, including referencing decades-old records. However, assistance from multiple agencies and art institutions, including the Tate Britain in London, where a similar Opie painting is held, aided in the investigation.
The current value of the painting is uncertain, but considering its age and fascinating history, it is expected to be worth a substantial amount. The painting was recovered in excellent condition.
The Wood family intends to have the painting inspected, cleaned, and appraised. They may also explore potential museum interest in the piece. However, for the time being, they simply want to enjoy having it back, particularly Dr. Earl Leroy Wood, who had purchased a smaller Opie painting as a temporary replacement for the stolen original, which held immense sentimental value.