Stolen Art Watch, Gardner Art Suffers From Da Vinci Madonna Hangover !!!

Foxes Guarding the Hen-House !!!

There are many who regard the decision to prosecute in the Da Vinci case extraordinary and the operational tactics of SOCA unacceptable. A successful prosecution would be financially beneficial to the Duke personally and his insurers because of their involvement in the entrapment process.

The failure of the prosecution has left them embarrassed and exposed clinging onto the bastard verdict as if that leaves a lingering doubt that could conceivably justify their actions. The civil judicial process has the capacity to critically review the law enforcement conduct and the discovery process will be profoundly embarrassing.

The Da Vinci case was a landmark legal decision but is has also been a watershed that has paralysed future art recovery particularly the Gardner Art efforts.

Times have changed and we now live in world where transparency is the order of the day. The days of burying evidence and procuring false convictions are receding. The current complaints made both north and south of the border will shine light onto the seedier side of police involvement into the Da Vinci case and the motivations of many including the Duke will be scrutinised.

Whilst the Duke may feel smug as he looks at his painting, the Art world may regard him as a pariah. We are all in this together, unless you are the Duke of Buccleuch, that is.

There has to be lessons learned from the Da Vinci debacle.

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”

Leonardo da Vinci

Mark Dalrymple can run, but he cannot hide, lost in France, Paris anyone !!!!!!!!