"The Scream" - Munch's Masterpiece Recovered In Norway

Two Stolen Edvard Munch Masterpieces are Recovered in Norway

By DOUG MELLGREN - Associated Press
August 31, 2006 posted 1:23 pm EDT

OSLO, Norway (AP) - Police recovered two paintings they believe are the Edvard Munch masterpieces "The Scream" and "Madonna," two years after masked gunmen seized the priceless artworks from an Oslo museum in a bold, daylight raid, authorities announced Thursday.

Both paintings, stolen from the Munch Museum in August 2004, were in better-than-expected condition, police said at a news conference.

"The pictures came into our hands this afternoon after a successful police action," said Iver Stensrud, head of the police investigation. "All that remains is an expert examination to confirm with 100 percent certainty, that these are the original paintings. We believe these are the originals," Stensrud said.

"I saw the paintings myself today, and there was far from the damage that could have been feared," he said.

http://www.nysun.com/article/38933

The Scream's one of my favorite paintings!!!

:toast:

for Munch's scream!

:D

I am not sure if folks hereabouts understand what a horrible nightmare this theft has been for the citizens of Norway.

The thieves made off with the paintings in broad daylight and left a note behind deriding the poor security measures they found. "Thanks for making it so easy!" the note read.

Both are considered national treasures, the most important and prestigious paintings in the country, and the public outcry has been ferocious.

Hip, Hip, Hurray! for the Cops!