The Taking of Christ (Or, The Kiss of Judas), Caravaggio, 1573-1602 via Coxsoft
A painting by the master artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ (Or, The Kiss of Judas) was reported stolen from the Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art in the Ukraine. Thieves were able to sidestep the outdated alarm system, and escape through the museum’s roof. Originally purchased by a Russian ambassador, the painting had come into the museum’s hands last century. More details after the jump.
Caravaggio Stolen From Odessa Museum [Artinfo]
Caravaggio’s Christ Painting Stolen [Abc News]
Ukraine Laments Theft of a Caravaggio from museum [Reuters]
Caravaggio Work Stolen from Ukranian Museum (IHT)
The thieves evidently entered through a window with by removing a pane of glass in lieu of the traditional smashing thereby avoiding the alarm. The frame of the window itself was rotting and in ill-repair making the pane quite easy to remove. Upon entering the room with painting, the thieves proceeded to cut the painting from its canvas, rolling it and escaping through the roof. The robbery took place sometime between the museums close Tuesday evening and Thursday morning (the museum is closed on Wednesdays). Although the London auction houses neglected to estimate a price for the legendary piece, experts estimate it to be worth more than $100 million. A picture of the stripped canvas below.
Courtesy of International Herald Tribune
Originally the painting was purchased a Russian Ambassador to France as a gift to a Russian Prince. The painting was most recently restored in 2006 and a duplicate exists in the National Gallery of Ireland. Odessa Police had been urging the museum to upgrade their alarm system since the 1990’s.
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
People who steal public art are the lowest kind of scum. Here in Boston, we’re still wondering where Isabella Stewart-Gardner’s Vermeer and Rembrandt might be. I hope the Caravaggio is recovered soon.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Thanks Art Observed for alerting this news to my attention. I am saddened to hear that this wonderful painting was stolen. I hope it can be found and in good condition.
I have added this news on my blog: http://www.ashley-spencer.com/ArtIsEverywhere/ and I have linked Art Observed on my blogroll. Your site is very informative.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
My article, “Beyond the Lost Caravaggio,” contains information about the National Gallery of Ireland’s version of the painting that is not available anywhere else.
It is readable on my website at the following address:
http://www.mythomorph.com/mm/content/2006/0702beyond_the_lost_caravaggio.php
Best,
Jeff