A work by Jean-Paul Riobell hailed for its “precious” and “unique” character has been discovered in Mirabell, 17 years after three stolen pieces have not been found.
On July 20, the Sûreté du Québec announced on Friday that the job was found during a search conducted by investigators of the Economic Crime Investigation Service at a residence in Mirabel.
The search could shed light on the 2005 theft of several tens of thousands of dollars from the famed Quebec painter’s studio in Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Maison, Laurentians.
According to former detective sergeant Alain Lacoursière, who specializes in art theft, a neighbor was alerted by an alarm system before the thieves reached the main works.
According to our sources, the information that led to the search in Mirabell came from the public.
“unique”
In a press release issued on Friday, SQ spoke of a lithograph, but, according to gallery owner Simon Blaze, who has participated in the work’s expertise since its discovery, it’s actually what we can call an original work.
“It’s actually an acrylic made from a mold from the 1970s, a technique used frequently by Riobel in the 1980s,” said Mr. Blaise explained, estimating the work to be worth twenty thousand dollars.
Photo courtesy of SQ
According to one expert, the “unique” work discovered by the Sûreté du Québec is worth about $20,000.
For her part, Canadian art expert Sophie Ouellet argues that the discovery is an “improved” lithograph or “mixed technique” because Riobel added details by hand after printing.
“When it’s enhanced with color, at a van, more in the gallery, because there is only one like it, we ask for more.
Mrs. According to Ouellet, Riobelle’s lithographs are particularly sought after by gallery owners because they are “so exploratory and so understated”.
“He was one of the only Canadian artists who maintained such a high regard for lithography. »
A $100,000 missing artwork
At this time, no arrests have been made in connection with the 2005 flight, the SQ indicated.
Photo courtesy of SQ
This “mixed media” piece, still missing after a 2005 theft, is said to be worth more than $100,000.
At least two of the three works are still missing (See photos) mixed media considered original works from 1983 and 1985. According to Simon Place, the 1983 would be worth $100,000, while the 1985 would be $25,000. At least three of the four works stolen in the 2005 heist were untitled. SQ did not disclose any information about the fourth job.
Photo courtesy of SQ
This other work, which was stolen from the artist, was made in 1985 and is valued at $25,000
According to our information, the residents of the seized place have been met by the investigators. It is not excluded that the work in question passed through several hands before ending up in the Mirabell apartment.
►SQ 2005 invites anyone with information about the theft or the jobs to contact its Crime Information Center at 1 800 659-4264.
Who is Jean Paul Riobel?
Photo courtesy of Library and Archives Canada
Photographed by painter Jean-Paul Riobel in 1976 in his studio in Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Maison.
Jean Paul Riobel is one of the greatest Quebec and Canadian artists in history. Born in Montreal in 1923, he was one of the first Canadian artists to achieve international acclaim. His most attractive canvas, Meeting place, has been on display since 2021 in the ballroom of Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General of Canada. The artist, who died in 2002, was the subject of an exhibition devoted entirely to him at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts last year.
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