Art Heist: $2.1M in Artwork Stolen
- Two monumental sculptures, creations of artist Daniel Winn, vanished from an Anaheim Hills warehouse between June 14 and 15.
- Matt Sutter confirmed the inquiry, stating, "Regrettably, we have little facts but we are investigating."
- The stolen art includes "Quantum Mechanics: Homme," a life-size sculpture valued at $1.8 million.
A shocking $2.1 million art heist has rocked the art world. Two valuable sculptures, “Icarus Within” and “Quantum Mechanics: Homme,” by artist Daniel Winn, disappeared from an Anaheim Hills warehouse, sparking a major police examination.Authorities are calling this brazen theft the largest art burglary in decades, leaving many wondering who orchestrated this audacious crime. The stolen artwork, including the life-size “Quantum Mechanics: Homme,” might be destined for the black market, or, chillingly, for scrap. Police are actively pursuing leads, reviewing potential suspects and surveillance footage, while art recovery experts weigh in on the potential fate of the valuable pieces. Stay informed with News Directory 3 for the latest updates on this developing story. Discover what’s next …
Million-Dollar Art Heist: Sculptures Vanish in Anaheim Hills
Updated June 21, 2025
Two monumental sculptures, creations of artist Daniel Winn, vanished from an Anaheim Hills warehouse between June 14 and 15. The missing pieces, “Icarus within” and “Quantum Mechanics: Homme,” are valued at a combined $2.1 million. The brazen art theft has left authorities searching for answers.
Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter confirmed the inquiry, stating, “Regrettably, we have little facts but we are investigating.”
The stolen art includes “Quantum Mechanics: Homme,” a life-size sculpture valued at $1.8 million. The piece,crafted from lucite,bronze and stainless steel,depicts a winged figure and was featured in the 2022 short film “Creation.” The second sculpture, “Icarus Within,” is an 8-foot-tall, one-ton steel and bronze work valued at $350,000. It reflects Winn’s experiences escaping Vietnam as a child.
The sculptures were last seen by warehouse workers on Saturday.Their disappearance was discovered the following monday. Winn believes a collector may be behind the theft, while an art recovery expert suggests the pieces may be destroyed for scrap metal.
Moving the art is no small feat. “typically these sculptures, when we do exhibitions, take about a dozen men and two forklifts to move it and a flatbed or a truck to carry it,” Winn said.
Winn, who also owns the Winn Slavin Fine Art gallery on Rodeo Drive and serves as an Art Commissioner for John Wayne Airport, described the emotional toll. He considers each sculpture his “child.”
Police are reviewing a list of individuals who recently inquired about Winn’s fan art and sculptures. Sutter noted the scale of the crime is unprecedented in his 25 years with the department. Investigators are seeking surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Chris Marinello of Art Recovery International believes the sculptures may be scrapped for their raw materials. He cited a similar case involving a Henry Moore sculpture, which was likely destroyed for a fraction of its artistic value.
“Unfortunately, the criminals are not that luminous and they don’t see artwork but, instead, a sculpture worth millions that is more valuable to them for the raw metals like steel and bronze,” Marinello said.
What’s next
The investigation continues as authorities explore all leads, hoping to recover the stolen sculptures and bring those responsible to justice. The art world watches, concerned about the fate of these significant works.