Stolen 18th Century Painting Returned to Family After 50 Years

The painting, stolen by mobsters in 1969, was discovered in the estate of a man who unknowingly bought a mobster's home in 1989.

An 18th century painting by British artist John Opie, 'The Schoolmistress', stolen by New Jersey mobsters in 1969, has been returned to the family of the original owner, Dr. Francis Wood.
The painting was allegedly passed through the hands of mobsters and even a state senator before going off the radar for some 50 years.
The painting was discovered in the estate of a man who had purchased a home from a convicted mobster, Joseph Covello Sr., in 1989, unaware of the painting's history.
No arrests have been made in connection with the theft as everyone presumed involved is dead.
The painting is now hanging in Dr. Wood's retirement home, next to another Opie painting the family bought in the 1980s.