OTTAWA, Ontario — A stolen portrait of Winston Churchill, which was swapped with a forgery during the pandemic, has made its way back to its rightful home this week. The painting, known as "The Roaring Lion," was retrieved by two detectives from the Ottawa Police Service who undertook the international mission to retrieve the artwork from Italy.
The dramatic story began when the portrait was stolen from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel sometime between Christmas Day 2021 and January 6, 2022. Unbeknownst to hotel staff and visitors, the real portrait had been replaced with a forgery, and it wasn’t until August of the following year, when a hotel employee noticed something amiss with the display, before the switch was uncovered. The frame's uneven hanging raised red flags, prompting staff to take a closer look, only to discover they had been duped.
At the recent ceremony to celebrate the portrait's return, Genevieve Dumas, the hotel’s general manager, expressed infectious enthusiasm. “I can tell you it is armed, locked, secured,” she told the audience, indicating the extra precaution taken to protect the precious artwork. After the staff accidentally triggered the security alarm during its hanging—likely heard even on Parliament Hill—it's clear the hotel is taking no chances this time around.
The iconic portrayal of Churchill was captured by renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1941. This pivotal image depicts the glowering Prime Minister as he addressed the Canadian Parliament, embodying the strength and defiance of the Allied cause during World War II. The portrait later found its resting place at the Fairmont, gifted by Karsh himself, who had cherished his time at the hotel.
While the hotel celebrated the successful recovery, the story of how the stolen art piece migrated to Italy unraveled, highlighting some serious gaps in the art world’s security frameworks. It turned out the portrait had been sold at auction by what is understood to be reputable sellers, including both the auction house and the private buyer, who were completely unaware of the painting’s status as stolen property.
Upon learning of the situation, Ottawa police acted quickly. They were able to track down the rightful owners of the painting, charged one individual, and proceeded with the legal process against him. The charges include forgery, theft, and trafficking, highlighting the serious consequences of art crime.
The portrait’s anticipation of return built excitement for guests and dignitaries alike. The ceremony was filled with local officials and art enthusiasts, eager to witness the homecoming of one of Canada’s treasured portraits. Ottawa's mayor even attended the event, underlining the communal pride linked to the event.
One message sent from the previous owner, Nicola Cassinelli, highlighted this pride: “The magnificent photograph by Yousuf Karsh captures, in the eyes of Sir Winston Churchill, the pride, the anger, and the strength of the free world. And it stands as a symbol of our collective desire for the triumph of good over evil.”
The return of "The Roaring Lion" highlights the importance of art not just as valuable objects but as cultural artifacts ingrained deeply within communal identity. The public sentiment surrounding this moment was encapsulated by Cassinelli’s remarks about the painting's place back home: “This portrait belongs to the public.”
With "The Roaring Lion" securely back at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, it serves as both a poignant reminder of the art world’s vulnerabilities and the community's resilience against the challenges linked to cultural preservation. The portrait has since resumed its revered position, showcasing not just the historical figure of Churchill but also the collective battle to restore integrity within the art world, focusing light on vigilance against thefts and forgeries.
Despite the grim tale of its theft, the portrait's return has rejuvenated hope and pride for the city of Ottawa. Dumas confirmed, without humor, “It’s not moving,” signifying the overall sense of relief and duty now placed upon the hotel staff, who now work each day to safeguard this national treasure, ensuring it will inspire generations to come.
