In a stunning case of museum theft, a worker at the Deutsches Museum in Munich stole valuable paintings from the collection and replaced them with counterfeit versions before selling the originals at auction. The elaborate scheme was only discovered when an in-house appraiser noticed that a painting’s canvas did not match its catalog entry. The worker, identified only as S.K., was convicted and sentenced to a commuted prison term of one year and nine months. This incident raises questions about security measures within museums and the vulnerability of valuable cultural assets.
Museum Worker Sold Paintings and Put Forgeries in Their Place
Introduction
In a shocking case of art theft and forgery, a worker at the Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany, was found guilty of stealing valuable paintings from the museum’s collection. The thief replaced the stolen artworks with rough forgeries and proceeded to sell the originals at auction, using the proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle. This article will explore the details of this audacious heist, the subsequent discovery of the forgeries, and the repercussions for the museum worker involved.
The Crimes
According to court documents, the worker, identified only as S.K. in compliance with German privacy laws, stole four paintings by early-20th-century German artists over a period of nearly two years. To avoid detection, S.K. replaced the stolen artworks with copies. The thief then proceeded to sell three of the originals at auction, while the fourth failed to find a buyer. The stolen paintings included “The Frog Prince Fairy Tale” by Franz von Stuck, a renowned German artist.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
After the crimes were uncovered, S.K. faced legal consequences for his actions. Judge Erlacher of the district court in Munich sentenced the thief to a commuted prison term of one year and nine months. Additionally, S.K. was ordered to repay the approximately $63,000 he received from selling the stolen paintings. The judge cited the thief’s apparent remorse and cooperation with the court as reasons for the relatively lenient sentence.
Background of the Worker
S.K. began working at the Deutsches Museum in May 2016 as a technical employee when he was around 23 or 24 years old, according to court documents. However, by 2018, S.K. had left the museum’s employ. The judgment described his actions as an exploitation of his access to the museum’s storage rooms, where valuable cultural assets were kept. S.K. used the stolen artworks to finance a luxurious lifestyle and showcase his ill-gotten wealth.
The Deutsches Museum’s Art Collection
The Deutsches Museum is primarily known for its scientific and technical displays and does not exhibit art. However, private collectors and foundations have bequeathed valuable art collections to the museum over the years. As a result, the museum houses hundreds of pieces of often valuable art in its storage facilities. These storage rooms, unfortunately, became the target of S.K.’s criminal activities.
The Discovery of Forgeries
The museum first became aware of the theft and forgery scheme when an in-house appraiser noticed discrepancies with “The Frog Prince Fairy Tale” painting. Upon closer examination, it was clear that the canvas on the appraiser’s workbench did not match the painting’s catalog entry. This discovery prompted a thorough inventory check of the museum’s art collection, which revealed three additional counterfeit pieces.
The Sales and Prices
The stolen painting by Franz von Stuck, sold under a new name and false claim of inheritance, fetched €70,000 from a buyer in Switzerland. Two other stolen paintings, by Eduard von Grützner and Franz von Defregger, sold for considerably less, at €7,000 and €4,490.50, respectively. However, the fourth stolen painting, “Dirndl” by von Defregger, failed to attract any buyers, even after the thief lowered the initial bidding price to €3,000 when it was taken to a second auction house.
The Possibility of Self-Made Forgeries
It remains uncertain whether S.K. created the forged paintings himself or acquired them through other means. The case shares similarities with another museum scandal that occurred in London’s British Museum, where a curator was discovered selling stolen collection items on eBay. This incident led to a crisis for the institution and the resignation of its director.
Security and Lessons Learned
The Deutsches Museum, known for its scientific and technological focus, takes measures to ensure the security of its facilities. However, when the perpetrator is an insider, such as an employee, maintaining the safety of valuable assets becomes challenging. The museum spokesperson, Sabine Pelgjer, noted that they have secure facilities, including a criminal record check during the hiring process. Unfortunately, these measures were insufficient to prevent the theft and forgery scheme perpetrated by S.K.
In conclusion, the case of the museum worker who sold paintings and replaced them with forgeries has shed light on the vulnerabilities that cultural institutions face. The Deutsches Museum in Munich experienced a significant loss of valuable artworks, along with damage to its reputation. The legal proceedings and sentencing of the thief send a message that such actions will not be tolerated, and efforts will be made to recover the stolen funds. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for museums and underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect valuable cultural assets.
