Emily Chan
A reward of nearly $127,000 was announced and would be given to anyone who could recover the stolen painting.
Seven years later, it was found by Charles Hills, a former Scotland Yard officer. At the time, he was a renowned art detective.
Strangely enough, he discovered the valuable art piece in a plastic bag at a bus stop in Greater London. The painting was missing its frame.
The 1995 theft wasn’t the only time someone decided to swipe the painting. It was also stolen from Belvedere Palace in Vienna by Napoleon’s troops back in 1809.
“This magical devotional painting has the rare notoriety of having been stolen not once but twice,” said Orlando Rock, the chairman of Christie’s in the U.K.
“We are honored to be entrusted with bringing this important and beautifully observed painting to the market in London this July.”
