Painting resurfaces
September 2, 2011
Police in Greece have recovered a 1618 painting by Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens that was stolen from a Belgian museum a decade ago, the Greek culture ministry said on Thursday.
Authorities arrested two Greeks in connection with the incident. Police said they tried to sell the painting to an undercover officer.
"Concerted efforts by police and culture ministry services led to the recovery of a particularly important painting by Peter Paul Rubens, dated to 1618," read a statement from the culture ministry, which verified the painting's authenticity but has declined further identification pending a full presentation.
A painting by Rubens matching the description, "The Hunt for the Caledonian Wild Boar," was stolen from the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent in 2001.
Reports at the time said three robbers wearing masks had taken the painting from the wall, along with the more valuable "Flagellation of Christ," but dropped the latter as they were escaping.
Author: Andrew Bowen (AFP, dpa)
Editor: Andreas Illmer