Police seize 'Van Gogh' painting in northern Turkey

TOKAT - Anadolu Agency

Turkish police seized an oil painting in the northern province of Tokat on March 6 that was suspected of being a masterpiece of the world renowned Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh.

The oil painting was discovered during a search of a vehicle in the area. When police saw the inscription "Vincent Van Gogh The Hague 1882"  and "Dalhem Museum, Orphan Man, Standing" on the back side of the painting, they brought it to Tokat's Gaziosmanpaşa University for an examination.

According to the preliminary report of the university, the 44x64 cm painting is unlikely to be an imitation and could belong to the Orphan Man series made by Van Gogh. 

A stamp of the New York Metropolitan Museum is found on the back of the painting, which prompted Turkish authorities to inform the institution, as well as Van Gogh Museum in Holland about the discovery.

Police have not yet made any arrests in connection with the alleged art theft.