Two paintings stolen in New Paltz, recovered by the FBI
Two paintings that were stolen in New Paltz more than 50 years ago were recovered by the FBI last year, and are now on display through August 31, 2023.
The two works by 19th-century folk portraitist Ammi Phillips were stolen from the Historic Hugenot Street (HHS) site in 1972, but were spotted in an online catalogue of the artist’s work last summer. The HHS staff reached out to the New York Art Crime Team of the FBI who then located the paintings and returned them to the historic site.
The 200-year-old paintings were physically damaged in the course of their lifetimes, with areas of paint loss and stray marks on both. “Most concerning was an old attempt to restore the painting of Annatje, which only succeeded in obscuring the sitter’s ear and other details.” Annatje’s portrait also showed signs that excessive heat was used to adhere the canvas to a board support, which later warped. Condition issues on both paintings were recently addressed by the team of art professionals at Yost Conservation, LLC, in Oxford, Connecticut.
The restored paintings are now on view as part of the Old Village exhibit at the DuBois Fort Visitor Center through August 31, 2023. Exhibits are free and open to the public.
Portraits by Ammi Phillips (1788-1865) of Dirck D. Wynkoop and Annatje Eltinge, ca. 1821. Oil on canvas. Historic Huguenot Street Permanent Collection, gift of Marie J. Wiersum.
