Abstract:
Story in relation to thefts of two Lindauers in Parnell on 1 April 2017. Auckland University Art History lecturer Ngarino Ellis said they would be difficult to sell here or overseas. She says with a ransom, the criminal doesn't have to find a buyer. "But they have never generally been very successful, because normally they nab the criminal at the point they hand over the money." The painter's international reputation has recently been bolstered - Ms Ellis said a major travelling show of his works has just visited Europe. "It's been over in the Czech Republic, at Pilsen, it was also over in Berlin and it was really well celebrated over there - they got record numbers into the exhibition." Ms Ellis said it's also possible the paintings were stolen for personal pleasure, by someone who wanted to keep the work for themselves.