Private investigator Arthur Brand received a small blue package from IKEA. It's almost unbelievable, but what's inside is valued at a staggering three to €6mn.
According to Euronews, this valuable item is none other than a Vincent van Gogh painting, which was stolen from a Dutch museum three years ago during the pandemic.
Arthur Brand, renowned as the "Indiana Jones of the art world," played a pivotal role in the quest to recover this masterpiece. He conducted an independent investigation in close collaboration with the Dutch police.
"For 1,300 days, we tirelessly pursued leads. And now, here it is. In just a few moments, I will hand over this precious painting to the museum director, and I'm confident he will be overjoyed," shared the detective.
The artwork in question, known as "The Priest's Garden in Nuenen in Spring," is also recognized by the name "Spring Garden." This creation, dating back to 1884, falls within the early phase of the Dutch maestro's career. The painting vanished from the Singer Museum in the town of Laren in March 2020. Surveillance footage released by the police captured the daring thief breaking into the building under the cover of night, shattering a glass door, and making off with the canvas discreetly tucked under their arm.
Brand recounted, "Several months later, I received information from a source within the criminal underworld who had acquired Van Gogh's canvas from the original thief." Brand is celebrated for his track record of successfully recovering stolen art, including the "Horses of Hitler" sculptures, Picasso's "Portrait of Dora Maar," and Oscar Wilde's cherished ring.
Interestingly, both the thief and the initial purchaser of the "Spring Garden" found themselves incarcerated, serving sentences unrelated to the art heist. However, the painting still remained at large. Finally, the individual entrusted with the artwork reached out to the detective. Notably, he had no involvement in the theft.
The individual conveyed, "I am determined to return the Van Gogh painting. It has caused me considerable trouble as I couldn't simply use it as disposable income."
Police authorities have unequivocally verified the authenticity of the painting, leaving no room for doubt. "The Priest's Garden in Nuenen in Spring" will now have a new home at the Groninger Museum.
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