12. Landscape with an Obelisk was one of 13 paintings stolen in one swoop and the $10 million work remains unaccounted for
For many years, Landscape with an Obelisk was attributed to the Italian master Rembrandt. After much investigation, however, it was determined that it was actually the work of Govert Flinck. Compared to the Italian, the Dutchman is quite little-known outside of his own country. And, sadly, this could remain the case, especially since this famous work of his was stolen from a Boston gallery in 1990 and is still missing.
The oil-on-wood painting, which depicts a pastoral landscape with a mysterious obelisk in the background, was finished in 1638. While it was inspired by the artist’s time in Rome, and in particular his time perfecting his craft in the ancient ruins of Tivoli just outside of the city, the exact location depicted is not clear. Regardless, at some point, it was acquired by Isabella Stewart Gardner, one of the most notable American collectors and cultural philanthropists of the last century. She left it to the city of Boston and it hung in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. And here it remained until March 1980, when the largest art theft in world history happened.
Landscape with Obelisk was one of 13 paintings stolen that day. The total worth of the haul is believed to be around $500 million. The Flinck landscape on its own is worth in the region of $10 million, even if it lost some value after it was proven not to be the work of Rembrandt. Over the years, the finger of blame has been pointed at the Boston underworld. But even if local gangsters were behind the famous theft, it’s highly unlikely that they would risk trying to sell their half-a-billion-dollar haul. As such, Flinck’s most famous work will remain hidden from the public eye indefinitely, perhaps forever.