The municipality of Medemblik is offering a reward of 10,000 euros for the golden tip leading to the stolen paintings, barometer and chandelier from the old town hall of Medemblik. “These works of art are so important to our municipality that we want to do everything we can to find them,” said councilor Jeroen Broeders
Last Friday, the current owner of the old town hall of Medemblik discovered the theft. Not only were the portraits of King Radboud, William of Orange, Maurice of Orange and Count John of Nassau stolen, an old barometer and chandelier were also missing.
“I am devastated. They are not particularly valuable paintings at all, but the historical value for Medemblik is very great,” responded councilor Jeroen Broeders last Saturday.
Now he responds: “We have received many heart-warming, but also sad responses. The theft really touches people’s hearts. These works of art are so important to our municipality that we want to do everything we can to find them. That is why we decided to offer a reward for the golden tip.”
Historical value
According to art detective Arthur Brand, the works of art not necessarily worth very much, at most several thousand euros. He therefore advises the thieves to ‘put them somewhere’. “Then there is also a chance that the police will discontinue the investigation,” he says.
But the historical value is enormous, Brand also acknowledges. This is a slap in the face for historians Peter Swart and Mark Raat, who specialize in the history of Medemblik.
According to them, the portrait of King Radboud is especially unique. “Aesthetically the painting is not very special, but its historical and emotional value is great.” As far as we know, it is the oldest image of the Frisian King, probably purchased or made in 1663.
Concerns about the state of Radboud’s portrait
In addition to the painting being unique, there are also concerns about the condition of the portrait. The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands analyzed the painting in 2021 with advanced scanning equipment. The last restoration took place in 1979, when, among other things, overpaints were removed and updated. “In fact, the portrait was now ready for restoration again, the fundraising for this was already in the initial phase.”
By telling their story, historians Mark Raat and Peter Swart hope that the works of art will one day emerge again.