“Eyes Upon You”, a painting by the popular American artist, Margaret Keane, was stolen in 1972 from a Honolulu dentist’s office. Now, after 50 years, it is back home with its original owners.
Dallas-based auction house, Heritage Auctions, has returned the artwork to the owners. Since 1972, the owners were searching for it and now finally, they have recieved it after 50 long years.
Heritage Auctions said it sold the artwork for $35,000 in December sale on consignment for a family group. The family purchased it back in 1980s from a New Jersey art gallery.
Since there was no listing of the painting in the FBI’s National Stolen Art File, the family had no idea that it was stolen. Robert Wittman, an art theft investigator appointed by the orignal painting owner, contacted the family.
Then, the family came to know about its stolen status and it returned the painting to Heritage Auctions. After making intense efforts, both Robert Wittman and Heritage Auctions returned the painting to the original owners. And it left the owners thrilled.
Keane – Artist Known for Paintings with Large Expressive Eyes
Margaret Keane had gained reputation for paintings of people and animals with large expressive eyes. While living in Hawaii, the artist painted “Eyes Upon You”. This painting includes seven Hawaiian children from different races and ethnicities.
For her work, she became a pop culture icon in 1960s and 1970s. Keane also made highlights with Tim Burton’s 2014 film, “Big Eyes” which depicted her legal battle with her husband over work credit.
On the request of the dentist, Keane painted the portrait of seven children including a 7-year-old daughter. The dentist hung the painting in the reception area of his dentist office. He did so to make children in waiting area comfortable while waiting for their checkups.
Family Expresses Happiness Over Receiving the Painting Back
The original owners have expressed their happiness over receiving the painting, “Eyes Upon You”. However, they have refused to reveal their true identity. Releasing the statement, the family said the painting enjoys a special place for it.
Family members say their forefathers thought of unique concept to paint the art through the renowned artist. Aviva Lehmann, Heritage’s vice president, said it is a rare painting by Keane who didn’t ususally paint with so many people.
He said the relation of the painting with the 2014 movie, “Big Eyes” has even increased its relevance strongly. Wittman expressed his surprise that since the painting was stolen, no arrest has been made in this matter.
