The Purloined Rockwell - Stolen in St. Louis in '73. Found today -- on Steven Spielberg's wall

riverfronttimes.com ^ | February 28, 2007 | Kristen Hinman

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Excerpt -

Academy Award-winning director and producer Steven Spielberg has turned over to federal authorities Russian Schoolroom, a 1967 oil on canvas by Norman Rockwell that was filched from a Clayton art gallery in 1973, according to the FBI.

No charges have been filed in the case, and federal officials say they have no evidence that Spielberg knew the painting had been stolen when he purchased it in 1989.

"It appears that he is an innocent buyer," says St. Louis-based FBI agent Frank Brostrom, a member of the agency's Art Crime Team, who initiated the investigation. Spielberg is an avid Rockwell collector who helped fund the construction in 1993 of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and who joined its board of directors this past September. According to a December 3 article in the Washington Post, Rockwells from Spielberg's collection adorn numerous rooms in his office compound at Universal Studios in Hollywood.

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[BaylorDad]

Sounds more like he was concerned the sniffing was getting too close and made a preemptive strike.

Bingo. That was my first impression. Somebody had to know he had it. Can you say blackmail? He had to know the jig was up and opted to play the stupid card.

[rbg81]

I would expect Spielberg to be arrested soon. Ain't gonna happen. Laws are for those of us who are: -- Conservatives -- Legal citizens Everyone else (from illegal aliens to famous liberal Hollywood directors) need not worry.

[chopperman]

He's had to know it was stolen at least since that ABC story last year. I bet he had a hard time sleeping.

[FLOutdoorsman]

Thats awesome.

[msnimje]

Most often the buyer has no knowledge.

You believe he owned the painting and never once looked it up on the Internet? See my post and link above.

[msnimje]

You are killing me!! That is too freakin' funny.

[dasboot]

The thief doth fear each bush an officer.

I just made that up.

[gorush]

He either is or isn't guilty...we just don't know as yet...I certainly don't anyway, but then, I've only got the information that the media has fed me.

[BunnySlippers]

I don't know whether Spielberg sits around Googling anything. This type of thing is VERY VERY common. Sometimes the buyer knows but very often they do not.

If the buyer knows they usually do not display it openly. Where was it hung in the Spielberg home?

[BaylorDad]

"The thief doth fear each bush an officer."

Very good. Makes me wander how the Clinton's sleep at night. They, by the way, are unmatched when it comes to playing the stupid card.

[dasboot]

"Where was it hung in the Spielberg home?"

Right in the foyer...covered by 'Dogs Playing Poker'.

[Cementjungle]

Spielberg -- an "avid" collector -- never bothered to google his own Rockwell picture?

Neither did any of his family or friends!

[Liberty Valance]

LMAO!!!

[BunnySlippers]

Actually, the people who DO know have private hidden rooms where the stolen paintings are hung.

I know there is a general interest here in pinning this on Spielberg because he's a leftie ... but it is not clear at all to what extent he is involved. At this point it appears the painting was in full view.

[Brad from Tennessee]

That's what I think. It may well be he didn't know when he bought it that it was stolen. But the story says Spielberg is a big Rockwell fan and collector. He financed that Rockwell museum which means he probably meets and communicates with Rockwell collectors, art dealers and experts. At some point he likely found out it was stolen and has been trying to decide ever since what to do.

[TET1968]

That was a good one. No question about it, that was a good one.

[BradyLS]

Nice!

[dasboot]

Golly, your equanimity is a real downer. This is FR...where yer guilty, guilty GUILTY!!!!

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[manic4organic]

One of the many reasons I love FR. LMAO!