Eleven of the 17 artworks stolen from Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre property dedicated to research and education and owned by The Belle W. Baruch Foundation, have been recovered after being missing for 13 years.
With the cooperation of Frazer Pajak and John Ivy, officials were led to Ivy Auction House, a regional auction house in Laurens, S.C., where they found the lost works.
The theft of 10 paintings and seven Audubon prints from Hobcaw Barony more than a decade ago was featured on a segment of the popular PBS program Antiques Roadshow in 2013.
Antiques Roadshow featured an equestrian painting of particular significance—a portrait of Belle Baruch on her prize jumper Souriant III by Sir Alfred J. Munnings. The work is an oil painting measuring 39” x 36”, with a retail value of more than $1 million.
It was stolen along with two studies of Baruch and her mount Munnings painted in preparation for the commissioned piece. All three paintings have been returned to the Baruch Foundation.
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The theft was reported on July 31, 2003, by the former curator, Samuel McIntosh, on his last day of work following his dismissal. Criminal charges were later filed against McIntosh after a search of his home in Kingstree discovered art and other items that belonged to The Foundation, including a painting valued at $12,000 that he had reported missing.
In 1932, Baruch commissioned the painting from Munnings. Munnings is best remembered for his scenes of country life and, most notably, of sporting, horses and race courses, a theme which defined his career.
Baruch Foundation Executive Director George Chastain confirmed the works were found in conditions ranging from very good to poor and have been removed from the scene for forensic and technical examination. The Foundation believes much of the artwork can be restored.
When the Baruch Foundation staff learned its stolen works had been found, “We were relieved and happy because we never lost hope that our paintings would be seen again,” said Chastain.
“These pieces help tell the story of Hobcaw Barony; their theft left a hole in our history” Chastain added.
