The Omaha World-Herald reports in today’s edition that the date of the theft is unclear, but was only recently discovered. The church displayed the artwork on its back wall.
The incident may be connected to five other art thefts from Omaha churches and has drawn national and international attention. The FBI, New York Police Department and the international law-enforcement agency Interpol are working together on the investigation, according to the newspaper.
Sallman first drew “The Head of Christ” with chalk in 1924 for the cover of The Covenant Companion. He would later paint the picture in oils. More than 500 million prints of the painting have been sold around the world.
The artist would frequently travel to churches reproducing his masterpiece. A collection of his work is on display at the Billy Graham Center on the Campus of Wheaton (Illinois) College. To read a previously published story, please see “Warner Sallman.”
