Priceless Van Gogh Stolen In Art Heist Returned 3 Yrs Later, Thanks To Dutch Detective.

Art lovers can rest easy tonight knowing that one of Van Gogh’s valuable early works is back where it belongs! Three years ago, “Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring” was stolen from the Singer Laren Museum in the Netherlands. Created in 1884, the painting is worth somewhere around $3 to 6 million. It was recovered by art detective Arthur Brand, with the help of Dutch police.

ABC News describes the theft as a “smash-and-grab,” possibly made easier by quarantine regulations during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Months later, photos of the painting were seen in the underworld of online organized crime communities.

“We know that these types of items are used as collateral within organized crime,” Richard Bronswijk, from the Dutch Police’s Art Crime Unit, told the news outlet. “Intercepted messages have given us good insight into the criminal trade in these types of valuable objects.”

Another crucial puzzle piece was added to the case when a 58-year-old man known by the pseudonym of Nils M was arrested for his suspected involvement in the theft of other prized artworks by Van Gogh and Frans Hals.

Earlier this week, Arthur’s search for the missing “Spring Garden” finally came to an end. After reaching out to others in his network, the painting was delivered to the detective’s home in an Ikea bag cushioned with pillows.

Arthur shared the good news in an Instagram video where he showed off the recovered painting. He told viewers that he was about to return the piece to the museum, after which he’d be grabbing a drink with the authorities who had aided in the investigation.

In his caption, the detective added that the painting had been stolen on a significant date: Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday. Now, it’s return was “a great day for all Van Gogh lovers worldwide.”

Watch the video below to hear Arthur Brand’s statement on the recovered artwork.

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.