The work “Spring Garden” by Dutch painter Van Gogh, one of the most famous names in art history, was stolen in 2020. The event, which shocked Europe, came to an end after 3.5 years of work. Art detective Arthur Brand managed to find the stolen painting and return it to the museum where it was exhibited. Let’s take a closer look at this interesting event together.
The painting, dating from 1884, was on display at the Groninger Museum in the Netherlands until March 30, 2020. The thieves, who had previously spotted the painting, broke the glass door of the museum with a sledgehammer in the morning, stole only the Spring Garden painting and disappeared. Even though the Dutch police made several arrests and detentions after that day, the famous painting could not be found. In fact, according to the police investigation, the painting had fallen into the hands of a criminal organization. It turned out that the criminal organization would use this painting as leverage if convicted of other crimes.
The painting became a “nuisance”, which led to the painting being returned
Van Gogh’s painting received widespread public attention, and the police began to investigate the incident, causing the painting to become a nuisance. Because the authorities were saying that those who hid the painting would face huge penalties. As such, especially the underworld began to stay away from the picture. This situation led to brand new developments 2 weeks ago. An anonymous person contacted Arthur Brand by phone and said that he had the painting and wanted to return it. This anonymous person was hiding the Spring Garden on behalf of someone else.
Arthur Brand and the person who hid the painting agreed on Monday, September 11, after 2 weeks of negotiations. The anonymous person placed the painting, supported by a pillow and wrapped in bubble wrap, in an IKEA bag, at the detective’s door and left. Arthur Brand, who examined the painting brought with Groninger Museum Director Andreas Blühm, determined that the painting was real. Thus, the issue that had been going on for 3.5 years was closed.
Although the painting was saved, it is slightly damaged
Groninger Museum Director Andreas Blühm announced that the painting was slightly damaged but could be restored. The painting will be exhibited again at the Groninger Museum after the work is completed.
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