In a surprising conclusion to what locals have dubbed “the portrait heist of the century,” the sentencing hearing for Rideau Hall’s missing Winston Churchill portrait begins today at the Ottawa Courthouse. The case has captivated our city for nearly a year, blending elements of art theft, parliamentary history, and a peculiar Canadian mystery.
Last December, staff at Parliament Hill discovered the iconic “Roaring Lion” portrait of Churchill, photographed by Yousuf Karsh in 1941, had been replaced with a copy. The original, valued at approximately $125,000, is considered one of the most reproduced portraits in history and a significant piece of both Canadian photography and political heritage.
“This isn’t just any artwork,” explains Joanne Thompson, curator at the National Gallery of Canada. “Karsh captured Churchill at a pivotal moment during World War II. The portrait symbolizes resilience and determination during dark times. Its theft represents a loss of our shared heritage.”
Court documents reveal that Rideau Hall security cameras captured a maintenance worker carefully removing the portrait during regular hours, raising serious questions about security protocols at our national institutions. The accused, Gerald Matheson, 42, faces charges of theft over $5,000 and fraud.
Ottawa Police Detective Sergeant Maria Sanchez, who led the investigation, noted the brazen nature of the crime. “This wasn’t a smash-and-grab. The accused allegedly planned this meticulously, understanding both the layout and security procedures at Rideau Hall.”
What makes this case particularly unusual is how long it took to discover the theft. The replacement copy hung undisturbed for nearly eight months before an art historian touring the building noticed subtle differences in the frame quality.
“I’ve walked past that portrait hundreds of times during parliamentary sessions,” admits MP Catherine Wilson. “The fact that someone could replace it with a convincing copy speaks to both the skill involved and perhaps our collective inattention to the treasures surrounding us.”
According to Crown Prosecutor James Mitchell, sentencing recommendations will likely include incarceration and restitution. “The portrait hasn’t been recovered,” Mitchell confirmed yesterday. “We believe it may have already left the country through private collectors’ networks.”
The theft has prompted a comprehensive security review across all federal heritage buildings. Public Services and Procurement Canada has implemented enhanced protocols, including regular authentication checks of valuable artworks and improved surveillance systems.
For Ottawa’s art community, the theft represents more than just a criminal case. “This portrait connects us to our past and to global history,” says Robert Taylor, director of the Ottawa Art Association. “Its theft feels personal to many Canadians who grew up seeing that determined expression in history books.”
The case has also sparked renewed interest in Karsh’s legacy. The Armenian-Canadian photographer established his studio here in Ottawa, where he photographed everyone from Albert Einstein to Ernest Hemingway. His Churchill portrait, taken after the British leader had delivered a wartime speech to Canadian Parliament, became an instant classic when Churchill scowled after Karsh removed his cigar.
At Byward Market cafés near the courthouse, locals discuss theories about the portrait’s current whereabouts. “I like to imagine it’s hanging in someone’s secret vault, like something from a heist movie,” says Ottawa resident Jean Tremblay. “Though I’d much rather see it back where it belongs.”
Court proceedings begin at 9:30 this morning. Our team will provide updates throughout the day as this uniquely Ottawa story continues to unfold.
The case serves as a reminder of the priceless historical artifacts housed within our government buildings – treasures we often pass without a second glance until they disappear.
