One of the most iconic photographs of 20th century It was stolen from the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa and replaced by a counterfeit copy. This is the famous portrait of Winston Churchill Known as The Roaring Lion (the roaring lion), the work of photographer Yousuf Karsh,
The theft occurred between December 2021 and January 2022, and was performed without violence or alarms. In fact, it was not discovered until months later. In addition, the original portrait was not recovered Until 2023, In a Hall of Genoa, Italy.
The portrait was officially returned to Canada and reinstalled in the same hotel room where it disappeared. This table, beyond its market value, represents a Fundamental piece of the visual memory of the twentieth century.
A silent disappearance
The portrait, taken in 1941 after a speech by Churchill in The Canadian Parliamentis one of the most reproduced images of the last century and symbol of allied firmness during the Second World War. Karsh managed to capture the famous challenging expression of the British leader by removing the cigar seconds before taking the photo, which gave the image its iconic character.
For decades, the work was hung on the walls of the hotel that was residence of Karsh himself. However, during confinements by the pandemic, Someone managed to subtract it and place a surprisingly convincing copy instead. Only the detail that The frame was different To other Karsh works raised suspicions of an employee in August 2022.
From Canada to Italy
The investigation that followed revealed that the stolen piece was sold In an auction In London for less than $ 10,000. His buyer, an Italian lawyer, hung it at home without knowing that he was the original stolen.
The collaboration of the Ottawa police, the Italian Carabinieri and heritage experts to recover photography was necessary. In addition, the alleged author of the theft, Jeffrey Iain James Wood, 43 years old, faces charges for theft, falsification and traffic of cultural goods.
For its part, the hotel address plans now organizesR An open exposure to the public to commemorate their return and underline the importance of protecting the artistic and photographic legacy.
