Two paintings have mysteriously disappeared from the collection of the Kunsthaus in Zurich, a museum with one of the most prestigious art collections in all of Switzerland, including a large collection of Edward Munch and Alberto Giacometti.
Since the beginning of the year, the museum has lost track of the two small-format paintings, framed and under glass: a mid-17th-century Robert van den Hoecke depicting soldiers in their camp and a still life with a vase of flowers by Dirck de Bray dating from 1673, recognized the establishment in a press release released on Tuesday.
These two small paintings (which are on permanent loan from private collectors) had been removed at the same time as nearly 700 other works to be cleaned and restored by museum services, where a fire had broken out in the night. from August 2 to 3.
“The possibility that, despite the implementation of important security measures, the works are currently untraceable, shakes us,” acknowledged director Ann Demeester.
The museum investigates
“For generations, collectors have entrusted their treasures to the Kunsthaus. Almost three quarters of our collection of paintings and sculptures are private donations or permanent loans,” the director acknowledged, adding that her establishment was fully intent on learning the lessons from this episode, but that the absolute priority remains to find the two works.
No other element is missing, among all those demolished after the fire, in the meticulous inventory that was carried out.
“We’re keeping our eyes and ears open in case the works are still on the house,” added Ann Demeester.
The museum has listed both paintings on the Art Lost Register, the world’s largest database of lost and stolen works of art. The Kunsthaus is also conducting its own research.
Source: BFM TV
