The artwork Two Laughing Boys by Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals seems to be an ever-enduring target for thieves. Last week, the 17th century painting was stolen for the third time.
The incident took place at the Hofje van Aerden museum in the Dutch town of Leerdam on Wednesday morning. The police statement revealed that the alarm went off at 3.30am, prompting police to send agents to the scene. By the time they arrived, however, the thieves and painting were gone. Police found that the back door had been forced open.
Two Laughing Boys, which was painted in 1626, was first stolen in 1988, along with a work by lesser-known painter Jacob van Ruisdael. Both works were recovered three years later and the perpetrators were convicted.
In 2011, the same paintings were stolen again. This time, they were tracked down by police after four men tried to sell the works on the black market.
Art detective Arthur Brand estimates that the value of Hals's painting is around €15 million (Dh65m). He also believes that the work was "stolen to order".
He said criminals were aware that, in comparison to major museums, smaller museums have less robust security measures in place.
“It's very difficult to secure small museums as it costs too much money. If they want to have your stuff, they'll get in,” he told the BBC.
In March, another small Dutch museum was the target of burglars while it was closed because of the pandemic. An early work by Vincent Van Gogh titled The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring was taken around the time of the artist's 167th birthday. Similar to the Hals theft, the alarm went off, but the criminal or criminals were gone by the time the police arrived.
Key developments in maritime dispute
2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier.
2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus
2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.
2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.
2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
