Alleged Thief Sold Famous Winston Churchill Portrait for Less Than $1,000

Alleged Thief Sold Famous Winston Churchill Portrait for Less Than $1,000

A priceless portrait of Winston Churchill, once displayed at a prestigious hotel, was allegedly stolen and sold for a fraction of its value.

Key Points:

• Theft and Sale: The iconic portrait, titled The Roaring Lion and taken by Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh, was stolen from the Château Laurier hotel in Ottawa. The alleged thief reportedly sold the historic photograph for less than $1,000, despite its significant cultural and monetary value.
• Investigation: Police investigations revealed that the portrait had been replaced with a copy, leading to suspicions of a premeditated theft. The stolen original had hung in the hotel for years and was part of a celebrated collection.
• Portrait’s Significance: The Roaring Lion is one of the most famous images of Winston Churchill, capturing him in a defiant pose after delivering a speech during World War II. The photograph is highly regarded for symbolizing Churchill’s leadership during a critical period in history.
• Cultural Loss: The theft has been described as a major loss, not only because of the portrait’s monetary value but also due to its historical and cultural significance. The recovery of the original photograph remains a priority for investigators.
• Public and Legal Reaction: The public and art experts have expressed outrage over the theft, calling it an act of cultural vandalism. Authorities continue to search for both the original portrait and those involved in the crime.

Source: The Globe and Mail