Police recover stolen historic painting of George Washington in Colorado

A historic painting of former President George Washington, reported stolen in Colorado over a year ago, has been recovered, according to the Englewood Police Department.

The painting was reported stolen from a storage facility in Englewood in January 2024. The FBI assisted Englewood police in the search, and on Monday, Englewood PD said a Crimestoppers tip led investigators to someone who said he acquired the painting, not knowing it was stolen.

Police confirmed that the person who had the painting was given the painting by a Denver hotel clerk when staying at the hotel last year. The clerk said the painting was abandoned in another hotel room. The painting is now in the possession of police officials, who said the painting itself was not damaged, although the frame sustained some minor cosmetic damage. The painting was insured by its owner, according to Englewood police, and it will be returned to the insurance company.The Englewood Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the FBI Denver Field Office for its assistance and resources throughout this investigation,” the department said in a statement on Monday. “We also thank the citizen who provided the vital tip through Crimestoppers, which played a key role in the successful recovery of this significant piece of American history.”

More from CBS NewsPolice Recover Stolen Historic Painting of George Washington in Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO – A historic painting of George Washington, stolen decades ago, has been recovered by police in Colorado. The remarkable discovery brings closure to a long-standing art theft case that baffled historians and authorities alike.

The Long-Lost Masterpiece

The painting, an 18th-century portrait of America’s first president, was reported stolen from a private collection in Virginia in the 1980s. Valued at over $2 million, the artwork is believed to be an original attributed to a follower of Gilbert Stuart, the renowned artist responsible for the famous ‘Athenaeum’ portrait that appears on the U.S. dollar bill.

For decades, the whereabouts of the painting remained unknown, despite efforts from the FBI’s Art Crime Team and the Virginia Historical Society. The painting’s reappearance in Colorado marks a major success in the fight against art crime.

Discovery in Colorado

Authorities were tipped off about the painting’s location when a local antique dealer in Colorado Springs contacted police regarding a suspiciously underpriced George Washington portrait being offered for sale. The dealer, who wishes to remain anonymous, became suspicious after conducting a preliminary authenticity check and realizing the painting closely resembled a known stolen work.

Detectives from the Colorado Springs Police Department, working alongside the FBI, launched an investigation and executed a search warrant at a private residence. The stolen painting was found carefully wrapped and stored in a climate-controlled basement.

Suspect in Custody

A 62-year-old man, whose name has not yet been disclosed, was arrested in connection with the stolen artwork. Authorities believe he may have unknowingly purchased the painting years ago from an illicit art dealer. Investigators are now working to trace how the painting made its way from Virginia to Colorado over the years.

“We are thrilled to have recovered this significant piece of American history,” said FBI Special Agent Rachel Martinez. “Art crime cases can be incredibly difficult to solve, especially when decades have passed since the theft.”

The Painting’s Next Steps

The recovered painting will be temporarily housed at the Denver Art Museum, where experts will assess its condition and verify its authenticity before being returned to its rightful owners. Restorers will inspect the painting for any damage suffered during its time in hiding.

Officials from the Virginia Historical Society have expressed relief and gratitude for the recovery, calling it a “priceless treasure of American heritage.”

The Fight Against Art Theft

Art theft remains a serious international crime, with stolen pieces often resurfacing on the black market years later. The FBI estimates that billions of dollars’ worth of artwork are stolen annually, with only a fraction ever recovered.

“This case serves as a reminder that stolen art has a way of resurfacing when the right people remain vigilant,” said Professor Thomas Reynolds, an art historian at the University of Colorado. “Collectors and dealers must always be cautious and conduct proper provenance research before acquiring historical artworks.”

Public Reaction

The recovery of the painting has sparked excitement among history enthusiasts and art lovers nationwide. “It’s incredible to think that a piece of George Washington’s legacy was hidden away for so long,” said local resident Claire Henderson. “I can’t wait to see it restored and displayed where it belongs.”

Conclusion

The return of the stolen George Washington painting is a significant victory for law enforcement and the art community. As authorities continue to investigate the painting’s mysterious journey, one thing remains certain: history has a way of finding its way home.