In 2011 — as well as in 1988 — “Two Laughing Boys” was stolen along with a painting by Jacob van Ruisdael, a 17th-century Dutch master. The theft Wednesday was similar to the previous ones, and didn’t seem to be an elaborate heist, said Arthur Brand, a Dutch private art-crimes detective. After the theft in 1988, it took three years to recover the painting, said Ms. Sanders. “We are asking people if they have any video or have seen anything; all help is welcome to get it solved.”The painting is worth “multiple millions,” Mr. “It’s an important work.”The mayor of the municipality that includes Leerdam, Sjors Fröhlich, called the theft “sad art news” on Twitter.

Source: New York Times August 27, 2020 18:32 UTC