In a significant development, Spanish police have recovered a valuable painting by the renowned British artist Francis Bacon, valued at €5 million (£4.3 million). The recovered artwork, "Study for Portrait of José Capelo" (1989), was one of five paintings stolen from the Madrid home of José Capelo, a Spanish banker and close friend of Bacon, in a daring heist nearly a decade ago.
The theft occurred in 2015 when burglars broke into Capelo’s residence and made off with the artworks, which have a combined value of €25 million. Capelo, who had posed for Bacon, had kept these masterpieces in his home, unaware that they would become the target of such a high-profile crime. While three of the stolen paintings were recovered in 2017, the latest recovery of the fourth portrait marks another milestone in the ongoing investigation.
The Policía Nacional announced the recovery on Thursday, detailing that the painting was found at a property in Madrid. The discovery followed the arrest of two individuals in February who were found to be in possession of two of the stolen paintings. This breakthrough was the result of meticulous police work, including tracing connections and following leads that ultimately led to the apprehension of these individuals.
The police statement revealed that a total of 16 people have been arrested in connection with the burglary, including those believed to have orchestrated the break-in. The investigation has also expanded to focus on Spanish citizens with suspected ties to Eastern European criminal groups, suggesting a broader, more organized network behind the theft.
“The investigation will remain open as we endeavour to recover the last painting and arrest those who have it in their possession,” the Policía Nacional stated, underscoring their commitment to solving the case completely.
Francis Bacon, who passed away in Madrid in 1992 at the age of 82, remains one of the most acclaimed and sought-after artists of the 20th century. His powerful, often disturbing images of popes, crucifixions, and distorted human forms continue to captivate audiences and command high prices at auctions worldwide. Bacon's works are characterized by their emotional intensity and raw depiction of the human condition, themes that resonate deeply with collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
In recent years, Bacon’s artworks have fetched extraordinary sums. In 2008, his "Triptych 1974-77" sold for £26.3 million, setting a European record for a postwar artist at the time. This was surpassed in 2013 when his "Three Studies of Lucian Freud" sold for a staggering $142 million (£89 million), significantly outpacing the previous record held by Edvard Munch’s "The Scream."
Earlier this month, another of Bacon’s masterpieces, a portrait of his lover and muse George Dyer, sold for $27.7 million at auction. This painting was notable as "the first monumental single-panel portrait by the artist to appear at auction in a decade," highlighting the continued high demand and appreciation for Bacon’s work.
Bacon’s legacy extends beyond his art. Known for his tumultuous personal life, including his drinking, gambling, and intense relationships, Bacon’s persona was as captivating as his paintings. His chaotic studio and the mordant wit captured in his famous toast, “Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my sham friends,” further cement his place as a fascinating figure in the art world.
As the investigation continues, the art community remains hopeful that the final missing painting will be recovered and those responsible will be brought to justice, preserving the legacy of one of the 20th century's most iconic artists.
