FBI Returns Stolen Taos Society of Artists Paintings After 40-Year Mystery
TL;DR
The return of stolen Taos treasures by Victor Higgins and Joseph Henry Sharp provides a unique advantage for art collectors seeking rare pieces.
Extensive FBI investigation led to the recovery of the stolen paintings, unveiling a meticulous process in solving cold cases through detailed evidence gathering.
The return of Higgins' and Sharp's paintings enriches the cultural heritage of Taos, fostering a sense of community and celebrating the resilience of art.
Discover how investigative reporter Lou Schachter uncovered the connection to the theft and the intriguing story behind the long-lost artworks' recovery.
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The Harwood Museum of Art will publicly reveal two long-lost paintings by Taos Society of Artists members Victor Higgins and Joseph Henry Sharp on June 6, 2025, after an extensive FBI investigation spanning nearly four decades. The paintings, *Aspens* and *Oklahoma Cheyenne*, were brazenly stolen from the museum's walls in 1985 and recently recovered through diligent investigative work.
An investigative reporter's phone call in late 2023 reignited interest in the cold case, leading the museum's leadership to compile extensive documentation. The investigation revealed connections to a similar art theft involving Rita and Jerry Alter, whose story was documented in the film *The Thief Collector*.
FBI agents from the Santa Fe office delivered the paintings to the Harwood Museum on May 12, 2025, marking a significant moment for the Taos arts community. The recovery represents more than just the return of two artworks; it symbolizes the resilience of cultural heritage and the ongoing commitment to preserving artistic legacies.
Both Higgins and Sharp were influential artists who dedicated their careers to portraying the Southwest's landscape and culture. Higgins, a founding board member of the Harwood Museum, was known for his expressive landscapes, while Sharp was celebrated for his romanticized depictions of Indigenous cultures.
The paintings' journey back to Taos includes an interesting provenance: they were sold at a Scottsdale auction house in 2018 under altered titles, which ultimately helped in their identification and recovery. The Harwood Museum will showcase these works as part of *The Return of Taos Treasures* exhibition, celebrating the artists' enduring impact on the region's artistic landscape.
FBI Special Agent Susan Garst, who led the investigation, described the return as gratifying, underscoring the significance of art recovery efforts in preserving cultural heritage. The public is invited to celebrate the paintings' homecoming during the museum's First Friday event on June 6, 2025.
Curated from NewMediaWire
