Epilogue
THE BLACKWOOD GAZETTE
SELF-PORTRAIT RESURFACES
by Peter Lorenzetti
A priceless painting that went missing from the scene of the Heywood Gallery fire has reappeared on the premises this week, with no indication of where it has been.
Once thought to be a myth, the painting was rediscovered two years ago, at an estate sale in a former art historian’s home.
Professor Timothy Williams had not disclosed his ownership of the painting, even though it was linked to the infamous quartet known as The Four, which had been donated to the gallery by founder Clifford Heywood.
A local student journalist recently found that Williams was actively acquiring artworks for private buyers via the black market, but he died before this sale was complete.
The self-portrait was on display for only a week before the gallery fire, and the rumors of a curse were attached to it, due to the unfortunate murder of gallery assistant Alessandra Barone as well as two other Blackwood residents.
Thought to have been destroyed in the fire, the painting has now been proven to be the likeness of New York serial killer BBK after DNA confirmed that the models depicted in The Four were also his victims. You can read more about this in a recent article written by Felicity Keller.
After extensive restoration, The Four are once again on display in the newly opened Barone wing at the Heywood Gallery, but they will be on loan to the Museum of Modern Art in 2028.
There is no doubt that the reappearance of the self-portrait will stir up many questions; however, the gallery has simply made a statement saying that they are “happy to have the painting home.”