Switzerland, Zurich's Kunsthaus has... lost two paintings. Police investigate

Zurich’s Kunsthaus , one of Switzerland’s most important museums, has literally lost two important paintings from the 17th century. That’s not an exaggeration: the museum has no idea where they are, and had to contact the authorities, so now the police have started the investigation.

How could this happen? On the night of August 2 to 3, 2022, the historic building that houses the Kunsthaus was affected by a fire, so it was closed for a few days, during which time the building was cleaned up and the works that were to undergo restoration were taken to the laboratory. The museum now does not rule out the possibility that the two paintings were stolen during this operation, so last Jan. 13 the Kunsthaus filed a complaint against unknown persons and asked the police to investigate.

The missing paintings are both small format and are permanent loans from private individuals: one is Soldiers in the Field by Robert van den Hoecke (Antwerp, 1622 - Bergues, 1668), from the mid-17th century (18.8 x 24.7 cm), and the other is Daffodils and Other Flowers in a Glass Vase on a Marble Slab by Dirck de Bray (Haarlem, c. 1635 - Goch, 1694), from 1673 (30.9 x 23.5 cm). Both works, painted on oak wood, are framed and varnished. Management hopes they can return unharmed to the Kunsthaus, which has already entered the missing works in theArt Loss Register, the world’s largest database of lost and stolen artworks, and is conducting its own investigation at the same time.

“For generations, collectors have entrusted the Kunsthaus with their treasures,” says Ann Demeester, director of the Kunsthaus. “Almost three-quarters of our collection of paintings and sculptures are permanent loans or donations from private individuals. We are concerned about the possibility that, despite great security precautions, the works may not currently be found. In addition to recovering the paintings, our goal is to learn from this unfortunate incident. We have established a crisis team that is meticulously investigating the incident. All other works that were on display at the time of the fire are complete. Our work does not end with the involvement of law enforcement. The Kunsthaus team is in close contact with all those affected and is collecting security-related documents. We will continue to keep our eyes and ears open in case work is still in the house.”

Switzerland, Zurich's Kunsthaus has... lost two paintings. Police investigate

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