DIA Van Gogh exhibit nearly sold out as guard watches over alleged stolen painting

(Detroit Free Press) The most talked-about painting in America this week now has its own security guard standing beside it as it hangs on a wall at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).

Vincent Van Gogh’s “Une Liseuse de Romans,” also known as “The Novel Reader,” made headlines around the world this week when a lawsuit was filed Tuesday, Jan. 10 in Detroit federal court alleging that the painting was stolen from its rightful owner before landing at the DIA for its “Van Gogh in America” show.

Brazilian art collector Gustavo Soter claims to have purchased the piece in 2017 for $3.7 million, and estimates its value at over $5 million now. In the lawsuit, Soter claims a “third party” absconded with the piece, leaving Soter in search of it for more than five years while he held the title.

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The DIA’s “Van Gogh in America” exhibition has proven a huge success since opening on Oct. 2, clocking more than 170,000 visitors to date. By Friday evening, remaining slots through the Jan. 22 closing date were almost completely sold out.

Museum officials said Friday they expect another 10,000 visitors over the weekend. ..................(more)

https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/arts/2023/01/13/van-gogh-exhibit-in-detroit-nearly-sold/69807289007/