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Sotheby’s New York, Latin American Art, May 20 & 30, 2008. Lot 255, Mario Carreno, Tres Mujeres. Est. $25/35,000. Sold for: $46,000. © Sotheby’s Ltd.
Stolen Mario Carreño Painting Found in Closet of Harlem Townhouse
May 2, 2008
Attorney Chris Marinello has recovered a Mario Carreño painting with the cooperation of Sotheby’s New York and the Atlantic Mutual Insurance Companies. The painting, a gouache on paper entitled Tres Mujeres, was hanging in the offices of a New York law firm when it was stolen in October 1993. The painting was not seen again until years later, when it was discovered by a woman in the back of a closet in a Harlem townhouse which she had recently purchased. Curious as to the value, she brought the painting to Sotheby’s for appraisal in early 2008. Sotheby’s extended an offer of consignment to the potential seller, and the painting was researched and catalogued for their May Latin American Art Sale in New York with an estimate of $25,000-35,000.
Marinello, acting on behalf of the Atlantic Mutual Insurance Companies, which had insured the painting prior to its 1993 theft, negotiated an agreement with Sotheby’s consignor to release their claim to the painting.
