The $500M art heist, unsolved
Left: Empty frames, from which thieves took "Storm on the Sea of Galilee" by Rembrandt (left background) and "The Concert" by Vermeer (right foreground), are seen on display in March 2010, at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.
The paintings were among 13 works stolen from the museum on March 21, 1990, in what is considered the largest art theft in history. The thieves' take is estimated at perhaps $500 million -- and more than two decades later, the artworks have still not been recovered.
On March 18, 2013, the FBI announced it believes the burglars belonged to a criminal organization that removed the artwork to the Philadelphia area, and later offered it for sale about a decade ago.
On August 6, 2015, previously-unreleased surveillance video recorded the night before the robbery was released.
Vermeer
"The Concert" by Vermeer, which was one of more than a dozen works of art burglars stole during a 1990 heist at Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
The thieves walked past valuable paintings by Raphael, Botticelli, Titian and Velasquez. But they took this, one of only 36 Vermeer paintings in the world. Investigators have wondered for years: Were they stealing for themselves or someone else?
Mystery
In this March 21, 1990 file photo, a security guard stands outside the Dutch Room of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, where thieves stole more than a dozen works of art in an early-morning robbery March 18, 1990.
Degas
"Three Mounted Jockeys" by Degas. Black ink, white, flesh and rose washes, probably oil pigments, applied with a brush on medium brown paper.
Rembrandt
Rembrandt's "A Lady and Gentleman in Black," 1633.
Rembrandt
This tiny etching -- the size of a postage stamp -- is a self-portrait by Rembrandt, completed in 1633 when he was 27 years old.
Rembrandt
Rembrandt's "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee," 1633. The artist's name (sic Rembrant) is inscribed on the ship's rudder. The artist's only seascape was cut from its frame.
Flinck
Until recently attributed to Rembrandt, this oil on oak panel from 1638, "Landscape with an Obelisk," is now credited to Govaert Flinck.
Shang Dynasty
This Chinese bronze beaker, or Ku, measures 10 1/2 inches tall and weighs approx. 2.5 lbs. It dates from the Shang Dynasty (1200-1100 B.C.), and is the oldest piece of art stolen.
The statute of limitations for art theft has expired in this case, but someone could still be prosecuted for possession of stolen property. However, the U.S. Attorney in Boston is offering immunity from prosecution for anyone with information leading to the recovery of the art.
Degas
This pencil and watercolor on paper, titled "La Sortie de Pesage," is by Degas.
Degas
"Cortege aux Environs de Florence," by Degas, a pencil and wash on paper.
Degas
Two versions of charcoal studies by Degas, titled "Program for an Artistic Soiree" (1884), were taken.
Eagle
This Finial in the form of a gilt metal eagle (French, 1813-1814), originally sat on top of the pole support of a silk Napoleonic flag in the Short Gallery -- the thieves left the flag.
Manet
"Chez Tortoni," an oil painting by Manet, 1878-1880. It's believed to have been painted in the eponymous cafe located in the Rue Laffitte, Paris, where Manet frequently dined.
Enduring Mystery
The Gardner Museum is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to the recovery of these stolen artworks. Anyone with information - about the theft, the location of these artworks, or the investigation - is encouraged to contact the Museum's Director of Security Anthony Amore directly at (617) 278-5114 or theft@isgm.org, or the FBI at (617) 742 5533. The Museum can ensure complete confidentiality.
For more info:
New video released in infamous 1990 Boston art heist (08/06/15)
Possible new lead in largest art heist ever (05/11/12)
Art heist still a mystery 20 years later (03/06/10)
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, Mass. (Official site)