Saloni Shankar
Italian lawyer Nicola Cassinelli thought he had found a great deal. In 2022, he bought The Roaring Lion, a famous portrait of Winston Churchill, for £4,200.
Lawyer Buys Churchill Portrait, Unaware of Its History
This 1941 photo, known for its strong image of Churchill, was part of his modest art collection.
After paying an extra £2,000 for shipping and customs, Cassinelli proudly displayed the photo in his Genoa home. He assumed it was a reproduction, a high-quality copy. The image, which had appeared on the Bank of England’s £5 note, seemed perfect for his collection.
But three months later, Cassinelli received a call from Sotheby’s. The photo he owned wasn’t a copy. It was the stolen original, worth millions of dollars.
Stolen Artwork Unveiled Amidst Ongoing Investigation
The portrait was stolen in January 2022 from the Fairmont Château Laurier in Canada. Thieves replaced the original with a fake. For over a year, investigators struggled to find the missing artwork.
Cassinelli only learned the truth after searching online. He soon realised he was part of a global art heist. “It felt like I was in a movie,” he told The Telegraph. As investigations unfolded, Sotheby’s advised him to keep the piece safe.
Canadian authorities soon contacted Cassinelli. They asked if he would consider returning the stolen artwork. Although Cassinelli had purchased it legally, he agreed to cooperate.
Returning the Iconic Piece to Its Rightful Place
Cassinelli’s decision to return the artwork earned praise. “There was an entire nation searching for it. It felt right to return it,” he said.
Although Sotheby’s reimbursed Cassinelli for his purchase, he lost thousands in legal fees. Despite this, he remained optimistic. “I promised myself I’d visit Ottawa to see the portrait where it belongs,” he shared.
Now, the Roaring Lion portrait is back in its rightful place. Cassinelli’s story highlights the complexities of the art world and the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
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