THE STOLEN PICTURE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 25, 19 November 1878, Page 3

THE STOLEN PICTURE.

Home interesting facts have been made public in regard to Gains* borough's famous portrait of the Duchess of Devonshire. The picture was originally a full-length portrait, painted for Lord Spenser's collection, but was afterwards cut to the knees— muti'ation for which no reason is- known. Georgiana. Duchess of Devonshire, was famous for her beauty, wit, and attractive manners ; and the portrait representing her as wefirißs; the broad-brimmed Gains^ borough ha^-lutelv again iv fashion, after :early a century— is well known j to llr i public through the fine angrav- j ings which have been mode of itX Iji Ai ay, 1870 this portrait v.-;i* purchaser at auction by Mr Agnew, the well known London picture dealor. It was placed on Exhibition at the ISew British Exhibition,in Old Bond street, where it attracted a throng of visitors. But in a short time afterwards it was stolen one night so adroitly that no trace of the thief coiild be diecovered. Some months ago (says the European Mail of August 2,) Mr A gnew received a letter from New York, in which the writer made a proposition to return the stolen portrait for 15,000 dollars, sending at the same time, as proof of its being in his possession, a bit of ! canvas which fitted exactly into the j jagged edges of the stretching frame from which it had been cut. 1 egotiations were immediately opened ; but the owner was unwilling to pay tho sum demanded, and the London police could obtain no clue [to the identity of tho holder of the stolen picture, nor learn where it wat--, such was the secresy and shrewdness with which the matter was managed. Yet it was believed that the portrait was carried from New York to London at that time, and afterwards returned to New York. Eecently. Mr Agnow, through his agent, has made renewed efforts to regain the picture, although as yet without success. The mysterious disappearance of this famous portrait.has awakened unusual intorest among all lovers of art, and the result of present efforts, it is hoped, i will be successful.