Two Missing Paintings from Portland, Maine Heist Recovered Near Boston

N.C. Wyeth photo via Wikimedia/Creative Commons

Two paintings stolen from the Portland Museum of Art in a 2013 heist have been recovered, according to an announcement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The paintings, “The Encounter on Freshwater Cliff” and “Go Dutton, and That Right Speedily,” were done by distinguished illustrator and Needham native N.C. Wyeth. According to the Portland Press Herald, the paintings were the remaining two of six Wyeth paintings stolen from Portland landlord Joseph Soley. The heist has been called one of the biggest property thefts in Maine’s history.

The Associated Press reported the works were recovered on Oct. 9, when a third party surrendered them to a retired FBI agent in the Boston area. In August, the FBI offered a $20,000 reward for the paintings after the other four works were located in a Beverly Hills pawn shop. According to the Press Herald, no further arrests have been made in connection with the remaining two paintings, nor has any reward money been disbursed.

However, the six paintings, valued at $500,000 each, have been reunited. They are on view at the Portland Museum of Art from Saturday until Jan. 3 in a special exhibit.