Art enthusiasts and historians are celebrating the remarkable return of a long-lost painting to its home at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, 45 years after it was stolen. The 17th-century double portrait of Sir Peter Rubens and Sir Anthony van Dyck, created by Flemish artist Erasmus Quellinus II, was stolen while on loan to a gallery in Eastbourne in 1979. The painting, an oil on wood, has now been safely returned to the Devonshire Collections at Chatsworth, much to the delight of its curators.
The painting, which depicts two of the most famous figures in art history, was initially loaned by the late 11th Duke of Devonshire to the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne. However, on May 26, 1979, during a brazen heist, the artwork was taken from the gallery. For decades, its whereabouts remained unknown, and as the years passed, hopes of recovering the painting began to fade.
Charles Noble, the curator of fine art at Chatsworth, described the moment of the painting’s return as nothing short of thrilling. “The discovery that the painting had resurfaced was astonishing,” Noble said. “After more than 40 years, you don’t expect a stolen piece to ever reappear, so this was an extraordinary and joyous occasion.”
The painting’s journey back to Chatsworth began when Belgian art historian Bert Schepers spotted it at an auction in Toulon, France, in 2020. Recognizing the significance of the piece, Schepers quickly alerted Chatsworth House. The painting’s history had been meticulously documented, and its record on the Art Loss Register (ALR) helped confirm its identity. Following negotiations, the seller agreed to return the artwork to Chatsworth, where it underwent repainting and restoration before being unveiled in May.
Lucy O’Meara, the recoveries manager at the Art Loss Register, expressed her delight at the successful return of the painting. “Despite the long passage of time, we are thrilled to have been able to secure its return to Chatsworth, where it rightfully belongs. This recovery offers hope to others who are still searching for art stolen decades ago,” O’Meara said.
Alice Martin, head of the Devonshire Collections, also praised the efforts of the ALR team. “We are incredibly grateful for their expert guidance in recovering this invaluable piece. Their assistance was crucial in achieving this successful outcome,” Martin remarked.
The painting is set to go on public display at the National Galleries of Scotland’s Royal Scottish Academy building in November, allowing art lovers to once again appreciate this masterpiece in all its restored glory. The return of this painting not only enriches the Devonshire Collections but also serves as a testament to the enduring hope and persistence of those dedicated to the recovery of stolen art.
