After it became known about the seizure of the painting and that this may the work of Anthony van Dyck, a picture of the two citizens of Georgia

Two men were arrested by Turkish authorities while trying to sell the painting, which experts consider a lost masterpiece by Anthony van Dyck. As reported by Turkish newspaper the Hurriyet, the deal was rigged: as a buyer, which the suspects tried to sell the painting for 14 million Turkish liras ($4.6 million), made an undercover COP. The negotiations were conducted in one of the luxury hotels in the historical part of Istanbul, near Topkapi Palace. It is reported that two of the arrested bought this picture from a criminal gang for 200 thousand dollars. But if the painting is indeed an original by van Dyck, then the price shall be one million dollars.

as soon As the news about the detention of paintings in Istanbul came to Georgia two citizens of this country one after the other declared their rights to it. As reported by the Agency TASS reported Tuesday, a citizen of Georgia Eka Abashidze said that the above picture for about 15 years was kept in her family. According to her, the painting was purchased by her brother George in a thrift store in Tbilisi, however, about the authorship of van Dyck none of the family members didn't know. According to Abashidze, 5 years ago the family decided to sell the painting to two buyers, poslusam for him 37 thousand dollars. However, the dealers paid them only 7 thousand dollars. Without waiting for the remaining payment, Abashidze filed for squatters to court and won the case. Now Eka Abashidze States that the picture was fished out from them fraudulently, the full amount of the transaction was not paid, and therefore the work of van Dyck be returned to their family. And if you further find that the legal owner is another person or organization, then the transfer will be resolved through them.

Today Interfax news Agency reported that painting by van Dyck appeared another contender — is one of those dealers who made a deal with Abashidze family five years ago. A resident of Georgia the Zahir Huseynov said that at the time, lawfully obtained and in compliance with all rules exported for sale in Turkey picture by Anthony van Dyck. He asked the Ministry of culture of Georgia to give a document about confirmation of the examination and the permission to export from the country to Turkey this picture. Huseynov intends to demand the return of paintings to him. Huseynov told journalists that Turkey picture he stole and that he was the injured party.

the Material was prepared by Maria Onuchin, AI

Sources: artdaily.com, tass.ru, interfax.ru, artinvestment.ru