Two stolen Vincent Van Gogh paintings were discovered in Italy.
A heist that occurred in the Netherlands 14 years ago resulted in two paintings from one of history’s greatest being stolen. Following an investigation that started almost a decade and a half ago, the works of art were discovered in the possession of a group associated with the Italian mafia.
The paintings in question are the “Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen” — completed in 1885 — and “Seascape at Scheveningen,” which as an 1882 work. They were found covered in cloth in the basement of Raffaele Imperiale.
The wealthy Italian is a powerful drug dealer, and the Vincent Van Gogh works were found in the village of Castellammare di Stabia, near Staples. These were discovered as part of a broader investigation into the Amato Pagano family.
The group is linked with the region’s mafia, the Camorra–they are known for their drug dealings. Imperiale was not found as he is believed to have fled to the United Arab Emirates, prompting authorities to request extradition.The authorities also seized apartments, villas, and a plane that is valued at $22.3 million (20 million euros).
Museum director Axel Rugel praised the move, noting that the Van Gogh paintings are of great historical significance.The painting’s authenticity was confirmed as the back of the canvas revealed marks from the artist where he cleaned his brush and tested his colors.
