A tale of art theft and family legacy unfolds in the story of Giorgio De Chirico’s painting “Venezia.” Acquired in 1968 by Aldo Goria, father of the renowned television host Amedeo Goria, the artwork was a symbol of personal significance, purchased for nearly 8 million lire as a gift for Aldo’s wife, Irene. However, just months after its acquisition, the painting mysteriously vanished from their home in Chiaverano, a quaint town in the Canavese region. Fast forward to 2015, and this very painting resurfaced in London, raising questions about its journey and the family’s claim to it.
Amedeo Goria recalls the day of the theft vividly, describing the chaos that ensued when they returned home to find everything in disarray. “Among the valuables, only the De Chirico painting was missing. I have always believed it was a targeted theft; the thieves were after that specific canvas,” he revealed in an interview with Corriere della Sera. The emotional weight of the painting is immeasurable for Goria, who sees it as a connection to his family’s history and his late parents’ relationship.
The canvas, measuring 30 by 40 centimeters, reappeared in 2010, but it wasn’t until 2023 that the Goria family became aware of its existence. Tragically, Aldo passed away in 2016, just a year after the painting was auctioned at Christie’s in London for £35,000, with estimates suggesting it could have fetched up to £60,000. Now, Amedeo has enlisted the help of the Carabinieri’s Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, with his lawyer, Paolo Mendolicchio, by his side.
The investigation uncovered that the painting had a new owner since 2010, identified only by the initials M.G., a professional from Ivrea. Law enforcement noted the “exceptional proximity of locations,” indicating that the stolen artwork likely remained nearby since its disappearance. The Giorgio and Isa De Chirico Foundation received a request from the British auction house to authenticate the painting, but initially declined, citing that “the work has been extensively overpainted.”
The Cultural Heritage Unit confirmed the “clumsy and clandestine conservation,” pointing out the “extensive repainting of such a culturally and economically significant piece, executed carelessly by unqualified personnel.” The motivations behind these alterations seem clear: to complicate the painting’s identification and obscure its rightful ownership.
Authentication was finally achieved in 2013, with the painting sold again in the City two years later. The timing raised eyebrows, especially in light of Aldo Goria’s death in 2016, leading to speculation that some may have anticipated “the twilight of the original owner’s life to recycle the painting, have it authenticated, and resell it on the international market.” An upcoming hearing on April 2, 2026, looms, but there are concerns that prosecutors may let the statutes of limitations for cultural property crimes, such as money laundering and art trafficking, expire.
While a search warrant for the last owner may be on the horizon, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving the heirs of the Goria family feeling disheartened. “It’s not fair for it to end this way. That painting was stolen from our home, and someone failed to monitor it, despite its obvious illicit provenance. I want to know where it is; it deserves to be returned to me. I owe that to my parents,” Amedeo Goria concluded, emphasizing the deep emotional ties that bind his family to the lost artwork.
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Jason R. Parker is a curious and creative writer who excels at turning complex topics into simple, practical advice to improve everyday life. With extensive experience in writing lifestyle tips, he helps readers navigate daily challenges, from time management to mental health. He believes that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow.
