That painting over there? The GSA might want it.

One of dozens of paintings recovered in recent years by the General Services Administration. (Image courtesy of GSA)

RELATED PHOTOS: Preserving and protecting commissioned art

By The Post's Ed O'Keefe:

Government watchdogs spend most of their time tracking allegations of waste, fraud and abuse, but some investigators pursue long-lost or stolen government art.

A project quietly launched nine years ago by the agency responsible for most federal property is encouraging art dealers, auctioneers, museums and yard- sale customers to look out for paintings, drawings and sculptures produced by artists paid by the New Deal's Works Progress Administration.

During the Depression, the government paid artists as much as $42 a week, resulting in more than 20,000 images of sandy beaches, snowy farmland and portraits of everyday people. Many submissions are still displayed at schools, libraries, hospitals and post offices. The art usually carries a WPA marker, and National Archives records can account for most of the pieces.

Continue reading this story >>>