<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3HjEEs_0vCOnaM100" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3HjEEs_0vCOnaM100" width="1024" height="576" > BBC <figcaption>The painting by Erasmus Quellimus II was stolen from a gallery in Eastbourne in 1979 </figcaption></figure> Art experts are delighted that a stolen painting has been returned to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire after being missing for 45 years. The 17th Century double portrait of Sir Peter Rubens and Sir Anthony van Dyck was stolen in 1979 when on loan to a gallery in Eastbourne. But now the oil on wood painting by Flemish artist Erasmus Quellimus II is back in its rightful home of Chatsworth, near Bakewell. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> The retired curator of fine art at Chatsworth, Charles Noble, described the find as a "thrilling moment". Mr Noble said: "Firstly that, somebody had put it up for sale, and secondly, when it finally arrived back here at Chatsworth. "It was over 40 years ago, and after that sort of time, you don't expect a painting to reappear again." The late 11th Duke of Devonshire had loaned the picture, from the Devonshire Collections, to the Towner Art Galley in Eastbourne. But on 26 May 1979 the painting, that first came to Chatsworth in 1838, was taken during a raid. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0hhUWC_0vCOnaM100" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0hhUWC_0vCOnaM100" width="1920" height="1080" > BBC <figcaption>The painting was eventually found more than 800 miles (1287km) from its home in Derbyshire </figcaption></figure><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> By chance it was spotted by Belgian art historian Bert Schepers at an auction in Toulon in France in 2020, and he alerted Chatsworth to its whereabouts. Thanks to a record of the work on the Art Loss Register (ALR), the seller agreed to give it back to Chatsworth, and the painting was returned in May after repainting and restoration. Lucy O’Meara, recoveries manager at ALR, said "Despite that long period of time since the loss, we are delighted to have been able to secure its return to Chatsworth where it belongs, and this should give hope to others who are still seeking the return of pictures stolen decades ago.” Alice Martin, head of the Devonshire Collections, said: “We are very grateful to the expert team at the Art Loss Register for their assistance in recovering this painting. Their guidance was invaluable in securing a successful outcome." <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> The painting is due to go on display at the National Galleries of Scotland later this year. Follow BBC Derby on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DerbyBBC/" rel="nofollow"> Facebook </a> , on <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCDerby" rel="nofollow"> X </a> , or on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bbcderby/" rel="nofollow"> Instagram </a> . Send your story ideas to <a href="mailto:eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk" rel="nofollow"> eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk </a> or via <a href="https://wa.me/message/UL37JYU6NGFTK1" rel="nofollow"> WhatsApp </a> on 0808 100 2210. <h2> Related internet links </h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/news-media/news-blogs-press-releases/stolen-painting/" rel="nofollow"> Chatsworth House </a></li><li><a href="https://www.artloss.com/" rel="nofollow"> The Art Loss Register </a></li></ul><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate></div></body>

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Painting stolen in 1979 returned to stately home

A 17th Century painting that went missing from Chatsworth Estate is returned.

Painting stolen in 1979 returned to stately home

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