Like drugs and guns, art theft is one of the highest-grossing criminal enterprises in the world. Further, it is thought that only five to ten percent of stolen works are ever recovered a statistic that is both startling and saddening. Despite having no direct victims, art crime deprives people of their cultural heritage. In Hollywood movies, the process of tracking down treasured works typically unfolds with dizzying car chases, shootouts, and a romantic cliffhanger. The reality, however, is far more nuanced though no less gripping as comes to light in
Lot 448, a new documentary premiering at this year’s virtual Tribeca Film Festival sponsored by Bulgari. In fact, the Italian jewelry house, known for its commitment to restoring cultural landmarks, plays a key role in the happy ending. Ahead of the premiere,