Eight 17th and 19th century works of art, which were reported stolen from a prestigious art gallery in Maastricht 22 years ago, have been recovered by the police, various media reported at the weekend.

The masterpieces, including works by Renoir, belonged to Robert Noortman who, according to Britain’s The Times newspaper, was one of Europe’s most powerful art dealers and a benefactor of the National Gallery in London.
The paper says Noortman, who died in 2007, received five million guilders in an insurance payout for the paintings.
The private detective who was instrumental in the recovery of the paintings claims Noortman was probably involved in the disappearance of the artwork, according to media reports.
Dutch police have arrested three people in connection with the case. They are expected to appear in court on Monday, reports the Times.

Click here for The Times’ story