The long-lost painting by Flemish artist Erasmus Quellinus II, stolen from a gallery in Eastbourne in 1979, has finally been returned to its rightful home at Chatsworth House after 45 years. The 17th Century double portrait of Sir Peter Rubens and Sir Anthony van Dyck was taken during a raid while on loan to the Towner Art Gallery, but was recently spotted at an auction in France by Belgian art historian Bert Schepers. Thanks to the Art Loss Register and the seller’s cooperation, the painting underwent repainting and restoration before being returned to Chatsworth. The curator of fine art at Chatsworth, Charles Noble, described the find as a “thrilling moment” and expressed gratitude to all involved in the recovery. The painting is set to go on display at the National Galleries of Scotland’s Royal Scottish Academy building in November, bringing closure to a decades-old mystery.
