The Facts
Kunsthaus Zürich has recovered two Old Master paintings that had been missing since early 2023. The works—Robert van den Hoecke's "Soldiers in Camp" (mid-17th century, 18.8 x 24.7 cm) and Dirck de Bray's "Narcissus and Other Flowers in a Glass Vase on a Marble Slab" (1673, 30.9 x 23.5 cm)—are private long-term loans. They disappeared during post-fire cleanup following an August 2022 blaze in a technical room of the museum's Müller building. The paintings have been examined by the museum's conservation department and found to be in good condition. The Cantonal Police and the Zurich-Sihl public prosecutor's office have opened an investigation, and no further details are currently available.
The Signal
The recovery is a rare positive outcome for a museum security incident, particularly one involving Old Master works on loan. It underscores the vulnerability of collections during renovation or repair periods and the importance of robust loan agreements. The museum's director Ann Demeester and board president Philipp Hildebrand expressed relief on behalf of the institution and the private owner. The paintings will be reinstalled in their original location on the first floor of the Moser building, reuniting them with other loans from the same collection.
- Artists: Robert van den Hoecke, Dirck de Bray
- People: Ann Demeester, Philipp Hildebrand
- Museums: Kunsthaus Zürich
- Locations: Zürich
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