Art experts have expressed their joy after a painting stolen in 1979 was returned to its original location. The 17th-century double portrait, attributed to Flemish artist Erasmus Quellinus II, features Sir Peter Rubens and Sir Anthony van Dyck. It was taken from the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne while on loan.
The painting, an oil on wood, has been returned to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, where it originally resided. Charles Noble, the curator of fine art at Chatsworth, described the return as a “thrilling moment,” highlighting the improbability of the painting reappearing after such a long absence.
The late 11th Duke of Devonshire had loaned the artwork from the Devonshire Collections to the gallery. The painting was stolen during a raid on May 26, 1979, and had been missing since.
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