Frans Hals Masterpiece 'Two Laughing Boys' Stolen for Third Time from Dutch Museum
Thieves forced entry into the Museum Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden in Leerdam, Netherlands, around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, making off with Frans Hals's 1626 painting 'Two Laughing Boys with a Mug of Beer.' The artwork, valued at approximately 15 million euros, had been part of the museum's collection. This marks the third theft of the Dutch Golden Age painting in recent decades, following previous incidents in 1988 and 2011. The museum had remained closed since the COVID-19 lockdown. Police responded immediately to the alarm and are seeking witnesses. The painting was recovered after three years following the 1988 theft and after six months following the 2011 theft.
Key facts
- The painting 'Two Laughing Boys with a Mug of Beer' by Frans Hals was stolen from Museum Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden in Leerdam, Netherlands.
- The theft occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday.
- Thieves forced open a back door to enter the museum.
- The painting is dated to 1626.
- The artwork is estimated to be worth 15 million euros.
- This is the third time the painting has been stolen: previously in 1988 and 2011.
- The museum had been closed since the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Police are calling for witnesses.
Entities
Artists
- Frans Hals
Institutions
- Museum Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden
Locations
- Leerdam
- Netherlands