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Detroit Institute of Arts sued over Van Gogh art piece

According to the lawsuit, the collector is claiming the 1888 painting from the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh was stolen

DETROIT, Mich. – A Brazilian art collector is suing the Detroit Institute of Art. According to the lawsuit, the collector is claiming the 1888 painting from the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh was stolen.

The painting, named “Lisuese de Romans” or “The Novel Reader,” is on display in the DIA since October for the Van Gogh in America exhibit. The painting’s projected worth is $5 million.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed on Tuesday (Jan. 10), a private art collector bought the legendary painting in 2017 for $3.7 million. However, it was absconded by a third party. The alleged owner, Gustavo Soter, says he has been trying to find it. Earlier this month, he found it in Detroit.

Soter is now asking that the DIA either return the art piece to him or hold it in their possession until the lawsuit is settled.

The DIA currently has “The Novel Reader” on loan. They claim they have not yet been served. They also stated it’s common for them to enter loan agreements with collectors.

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