Van Dyck’s A Soldier on Horseback
It was recently reported that thieves broke into the Christ Church Picture Gallery in Oxford, England, and stole paintings by Van Dyck, Annibale Caracci, and Salvator Rosa. An article in the Daily Mail state that the theft included …the irreplaceable A Soldier on Horseback, by Van Dyck. So, are they saying that the other two are replaceable? Wouldn’t you agree that all three paintings are irreplaceable?
The theft of a unique work of art has always puzzled me. I know people claim there is a vast black market for these items, but unless you pass it off to an unsuspecting buyer or ransom it back, what do you do with it? Put it in your secret vault and occasionally look at it?
I do hope this one comes to a swift and happy ending.