Two Missing Old Master Paintings Recovered by Kunsthaus Zürich
The Facts
Kunsthaus Zürich announced on May 26, 2024 that two Old Master paintings on long-term loan from a private collection, missing since early 2023, have been recovered in good condition. The works are Robert van den Hoecke's "Soldiers in Camp" (mid-17th century, 18.8 x 24.7 cm) and Dirck de Bray's "Narcissi and Other Flowers in a Glass Vase on a Marble Slab" (1673, 30.9 x 23.5 cm). Their disappearance coincided with extensive post-fire repairs following an August 2022 blaze in a technical room of the museum's Müller Building. After examination by Kunsthaus conservators, both paintings were confirmed in good condition. The Cantonal Police and the Zurich-Sihl public prosecutor's office have launched an investigation, and no further details are currently available. The works will be reinstalled as soon as possible in their original location on the first floor of the Moser Building, alongside other long-term loans from the same collection.
The Signal
The recovery ends a period of uncertainty for two small-scale but significant works by Dutch and Flemish masters that had been absent from public view. For the museum, the episode highlights security vulnerabilities during large-scale construction and restoration work—a challenge many institutions face. Director Ann Demeester and board president Philipp Hildebrand expressed relief on behalf of the private lender and his family. The case underscores the importance of provenance documentation and loan agreements in protecting cultural assets, and serves as a reminder that even established museums can experience temporary losses that require coordinated police and conservation response.
- Artists: Robert van den Hoecke, Dirck de Bray
- People: Ann Demeester, Philipp Hildebrand, Alex Hefter
- Museums: Kunsthaus Zürich
- Locations: Zürich
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