Stolen 'Big Eyes' Masterpiece by Margaret Keane Returns to Original Family
After nearly five decades, the legendary 'Big Eyes' painting titled 'Eyes on You', originally created by popular pop culture icon Margaret Keane in 1972, has finally been returned to its rightful owners.
Reportedly, this captivating artwork bearing brimming, expressive eyes featured seven diverse children from different ethnic backgrounds, including a then-seven-year-old daughter of a local dentist. Her father, a dentist fond of making every child feel welcome in his offices, showcased the iconic painting in his waiting area.
The extraordinary piece went missing in 1972, only to resurface at a Dallas auction house, Heritage Auctions, whose recent press release announced the painting's sale for $35,000 to an anonymous family who purchased it in the '80s from a New Jersey art gallery. Thankfully, the undisclosed buyer honored Robert Wittman, an original owner-appointed art theft investigator, and quickly returned the painting to its original owners.
Wittman, a former FBI agent, and founder of the Art Crime Unit within the FBI, praised Heritage Auctions' diligent efforts. "They immediately retrieved the painting from the seller, contacted the previous owner, and collaborated with us fully, making the family thrilled with the results."
Margaret Keane rose to fame in the '60s and '70s for her surreal portrayals of people and animals with large, emotive eyes. Tim Burton's 2014 film 'Big Eyes' was loosely based on her eventful relationship with her husband who claimed credit for her works. In 2014, Keane opened a gallery in San Francisco and continues to inspire contemporary artists around the world.
The family wishing to remain anonymous shared their joy over reclaiming their cherished family heirloom. "This painting holds a special meaning for our family, as we had the privilege of collaborating with the artist and brought the unique concept and visual language for this one-of-a-kind artwork to life. We are elated to have our beloved piece return to us."
Aviva Lehmann, Vice President and Director of American Art at Heritage, expressed her admiration for the painting. "It's a rare masterpiece to see so many diverse individuals depicted in a Margaret Keane painting, and it's an absolute pleasure to work with Margaret, who created her best work with this – one that deserves recognition for its size, theme, and quality."
Although the thief remained unidentified, no one was arrested or charged in relation to the theft, which allegedly took place during lunchtime in the dentist's office. Wittman speculated that the perpetrator rolled the 39 x 49-inch painting down the stairs to escape unnoticed and then eventually sold it in New Jersey.
Whitman comments that stolen artwork often changes hands and is sometimes found on the black market where it's sold like any other commodity. "Art theft is such an absurd crime because it's bound to come back on the open market eventually. For instance, the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 but returned within two years."
Note: The provided information on Margaret Keane's art and its impact on contemporary artists is drawn from the source mentioned below.
Source: CNN Edition
