Spanish Police Recover Two Stolen 17th-Century Paintings After Nearly a Century
Spanish police recover two priceless 17th-century paintings missing for nearly a century
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Spain's National Police recovered two 17th-century paintings, missing since 1930, and returned them to the Archdiocese of Seville on May 20. The paintings, created by Lucas Valdés, were originally part of the church's altarpiece and are now back for public viewing after extensive efforts.
- 01The recovered paintings are titled 'Samson Taking the Honeycomb from the Lion's Mouth' and 'David Receiving the Loaves of the Presence from Achimelech'.
- 02These artworks were painted between 1698 and 1700 and were part of the church's historical inventory.
- 03The paintings went missing after being loaned for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929 and were believed to be in a private collection.
- 04A tip in September 2025 led to the identification of the paintings at an auction house, prompting police action.
- 05The formal handover ceremony took place at the Hospital of the Venerable Priests in Seville, attended by several dignitaries.
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In May, Spain's National Police successfully recovered two 17th-century oil paintings that had been missing for nearly a century. The artworks, 'Samson Taking the Honeycomb from the Lion's Mouth' and 'David Receiving the Loaves of the Presence from Achimelech', were originally part of the decoration of the main altarpiece at the Hospital of the Venerable Priests in Seville. They were last seen in the church during a renovation in 1889 and were loaned for display at the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929, after which they disappeared. The paintings were believed to have been in a private collection until a tip-off in September 2025 led to their identification at an auction house. Following an investigation, the police seized the paintings and returned them to the Archdiocese of Seville during a ceremony on May 20, allowing them to be displayed once again for the public and the faithful to appreciate.
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The recovery of these historical artworks allows for their public display and appreciation, enhancing cultural heritage in Seville.
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