The Painting Of Van Gogh's Work That Was Stolen During The Pandemic Was Found Again

Director of Groninger Museum Andreas Bluhm when giving a press statement. (Source: Gronginger Museum/Marten de Leeuw)

JAKARTA - A painting by Vincent van Gogh that was stolen from a small museum in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine in 2020 was found again, said the Groninger Museum, which has the artwork.

"We have great good news. The painting 'Spring Garden' has returned to the Groninger Museum three and a half years after the theft," the museum said in a statement.

The painting, complete titled 'Spring Garden, The Personage Garden at Nuenen in Spring', which was created in 1884, was stolen from the Singer's Labor Museum, east of Amsterdam, where the painting was loaned for an exhibition.

The theft occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Dutch police released a security record showing the thief entered the Singer's Laboratory Museum on March 30, 2920, breaking the glass door, to steal the painting.

The artwork depicts a pastor's garden in Nuenen, a small town in the Netherlands where van Gogh's parents live.

"The painting was damaged, but, at first sight, the painting is in good condition," the Groninger Museum said, adding the painting was now at the van Gogh Amsterdam Museum, taking weeks or months to return.

"The police have been closely involved in all phases (returning the painting). The museum cannot comment on ongoing investigations," the museum said.

The museum, Arthur Brand, a leading Dutch art detective, added that it has played a "key role" in the whole process.

A suspect has been arrested and found guilty by the police in 2021, as reported by the Groninger Museum website.

"Museum Groninger is very happy and relieved that his artwork has returned. We are very grateful to our colleagues in Amsterdam for their hospitality. On behalf of all our staff, all residents of Groningen and visitors, we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this good result," explained Museum Director. Groninger Andreas Blöhm.

It is known, the painting is Vincent van Gogh's only work in the collection of the Groninger Museum. The painting has been a private collection in Groningen since the early 20th century and was donated to the City Government of Groningen in 1962.