The Stolen Painting
Parisian art auctioneer André Masson, played by Alex Lutz, learns of an original painting by Egon Schiele, the fin de siècle Austrian Expressionist. Known only through its prints, Wilted Sunflowers has been long since lost—until now. Although sceptical, André agrees to appraise the piece. Accompanied by Bertina (Léa Drucker), his ex-wife and art valuer, he travels to the gritty industrial town where its new owners live. Upon viewing the work, André and Bertina immediately declare it to be authentic. Its provenance, however, proves murky—its former owner collaborated with the Nazis during WWII. Then Bob Wahlberg (Doug Rand) appears, representing the painting’s rightful heirs. Inspired by real events, The Stolen Painting is ‘a sophisticated and compelling character study and mystery.’ Jason Di Rosso, ABC Radio National