Steven Spielberg's art dealer exonerated in lawsuit over stolen Norman Rockwell

13 April 2010

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Norman Rockwell's "Russian Schoolroom"

Rhode Island-based Judy Goffman Cutler is now free from a costly and drawn-out legal battle over a Norman Rockwell painting titled Russian Schoolroom that was stolen from a St. Louis art gallery back in 1973.

Cutler, who is a well-known specialist in American illustration art, had bought the work at a New Orleans auction and sold it to movie director Steven Spielberg in 1989.

When the FBI learned of the painting's whereabouts three years ago, they were sued by Las Vegas art dealer Jack Solomon who claimed ownership. Solomon also sued Spielberg for the painting, but Cutler stepped in his place at trial. (She transferred title for another Rockwell to Spielberg in exchange for ownership of the Russian Schoolroom).

In the end, the judge determined that Solomon already profited from an insurance claim for the stolen artwork and knew of the painting being sold in New Orleans. In fact, the auction house had given him part of the sale proceeds in 1988.

Ownership of the painting remains with Cutler, who has a gallery in New York City and co-founded The National Museum of American Illustration in Newport, Rhode Island.

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