Art theft - How does it work?

[Mace]

Hi,
I know next to nothing about the art world, but there's one question I
really want to know the answer to.
How can it be worthwhile to steal unique, well documented and famous works
of art?
Surely these cannot be re-sold on the market since everyone knows when and
where they were stolen. Even if the seller cannot be proven a thief, they
must be proven to be handling stolen goods.
What's the scam??

I know this is probably a very naive question, but I'd be interested to know
the answer.

[pdwa...@yadtel.net]

There is always a market for really grand art even if it's recently
stolen. Usually they end up in a personal collection out of sight of the
general public and appreciated only among long time confidants in extreme
privacy. These are typically acquired for very low prices and also not
especially for their investment value but more for the joy derived from
their inherant beauty.
Sometimes hard pressed art owners fake having their own works being
stolen for the insurance claim they can make for their loss, then they have
to hide their own art for so long as they own it, or risk taking their meals
as "guests of the Queen" at the "old bailey" for insurance fraud if they are
caught or reported. Believe me when I say, it has happened more than once,
that nice old paintings are "rediscovered" in the attic following very big
funerals and once again see the light of day after decades of languishing
out of sight due to their rather "difficult" histories!
Hope that was helpfull "Laughingpony"

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