Vincent Van Gogh's 1884 painting, "Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring," which is estimated to be worth over $6.4 million, was recently displayed at a Rotterdam museum in the Netherlands last Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Journey of the 'Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring' Back Home
The showcase is the piece's first showing in a long while since it was stolen back in March 2020 at the Singer Laren Museum in Amsterdam and recovered by Dutch art detective Arthur Brand last year September when an unnamed lead handed the masterpiece to him in an Ikea bag.
That said, the artwork sustained considerable damage that is still clearly visible during its press-only exhibition last Wednesday. The deep gash was described by restorer Marjan de Visser, as quoted by The Guardian, as a "severe one" due to its penetration across all laters.
"Underneath is the original canvas, which is also a little bit damaged," she added, speculating that the gash most likely was the result of the piece bumping quite violently into a hard surface or object.
Ahead of more extensive restoration efforts, De Visser said she needs to collate more information on the previous restorative techniques applied to the piece and the materials that were used, alongside the process of how it was mounted.
She said that without knowing such vital information, conservation cannot commence. However, as part of the preparatory stage, De Visser has already cleaned off any dirt that may have accumulated during the painting's lengthy three-year absence,
Although the recent showing was for the eyes of the press only, a public viewing will be held on March 29 at Northern Netherlands' Groninger Museum.
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The Singer Laren Museum Heist of Van Gogh's Painting
The theft took place one night in March 2020, amid the global COVID-19 lockdown which affected the Amsterdam museum the painting was loaned for. Originally, the piece belonged to the Groningen Museum's collection.
Footage released by the local police working on the case revealed the incident to be a smash-and-grab operation. The perpetrator gained access by smashing the museum's glass door and went out the same way, with the painting sandwiched in between the thief's right arm.
For three long years, the piece's whereabouts were unknown to the local authorities and institutions that wanted it back, except for Brand who was dubbed as the "Indiana Jones of the art World."
Following the handoff between Brand and a source he didn't reveal the identity of, the preparation for the restoration efforts was promptly initiated.
The painting is a distinct Van Gogh work because it came before the Dutch painter experimented with his now world-famous post-impressionist style, which is apparent in his vivid depictions of sunflowers and himself.
As per De Visser, this is "how the young Van Gogh painted," with techniques that came from an education at the Antwerp Art Academy.
