A painting valued at EUR 2 million, stolen from an art gallery at Oxford University approximately four years ago, has been recovered in Romania and returned to UK judicial authorities,

as announced by the Romanian Police. The 17th-century masterpiece, identified as Salvator Rosa's "A Rocky Coast, with Soldiers Studying a Plan," was reported missing in March 2020, alongside two other artworks that remain unaccounted for. The combined value of the three stolen pieces is estimated at GBP 10 million, according to reports by the BBC.

The individual in possession of the Rosa painting voluntarily contacted Romanian authorities and surrendered the artwork. It is reported that he had sold the other two stolen pieces within the country. He is currently cooperating with law enforcement as a witness in the ongoing investigation.

In a press release issued by the Romanian Police, it was disclosed that on December 28, 2023, pursuant to an order from the Prosecutor's Office attached to the Ilfov Court, the stolen painting was directed to be returned to the judicial authorities of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Subsequently, on March 26, 2024, the painting was successfully returned to the UK authorities.

The recovery operation was led by Thames Valley Police, in collaboration with the gallery's curator, Jacqueline Thalmann, who confirmed that the artwork is in excellent condition following its retrieval in Bucharest. Photo by Wikimedia commons.