Gaillard’s cello and bows, which were stolen on 25 September, have been returned in perfect condition, with the cellist stating ‘I can breathe again’
Ophélie Gaillard’s instrument and two bows have been returned to her after they were stolen from her home almost two months ago. Police have arrested three people from the Annecy region, who were already known to the authorities.
Gaillard awoke on 25 September to find that her 1737 Goffriller cello and bows by Nicolas Maire and Jean-Marie Persoit were stolen during the night while she was at home in Haute-Savoie, south-eastern France. The instrument was taken in a blue case, along with three pieces of artwork.
Gaillard described the theft as ‘a trauma’ that severely affected her and her family. Since the burglary, Gaillard continued to perform on a cello by a modern luthier, David Leonard Wiedmer.
Gaillard announced the return of her instrument via social media: ‘The cello and bows are in perfect condition and will be able to resonate and vibrate again. For the moment, I can breathe again, my family is reassured, and now I hope to be able to devote myself to my passion again.’
‘I would like to thank each and every one of you who relayed the information and supported me through this ordeal,’ she said. ‘I would also like to thank the press and media who played a crucial role in this outcome. But I would also like to particularly thank the police and salute their constant commitment and efficiency.’
Speaking to Le Parisien, Gaillard addressed the thieves, remarking on the risks of stealing the instrument — worth €1.3 million and on loan to her by the CIC bank — and the difficulty in selling it onward due to the amount of coverage the theft received. ’Everyone knows about it, even in Japan. A work of art like that cannot be resold!’
It is not the first time Gaillard has had her instrument stolen. In February 2018, Gaillard was robbed at knifepoint outside her home in the Parisian suburb of Pantin. The assailant took her 1737 Francesco Goffriller cello, as well as the bow by Jean Pierre Marie Persoit and her mobile phone.
The instruments and bows were recovered a few days later. The thief decided to return it, following broad press coverage the theft received and realising the true value of the cello, and therefore the risks involved with any attempt to sell it.
After smashing the window of a car on Gaillard’s street, the thief placed the cello inside and made an anonymous phonecall telling her where to find it.
Read: Sentimental Work: Ophélie Gaillard on Bloch’s Schelomo
Read: The return of a stolen pardessus: a case of provenance and restitution
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