The case of the theft of the religious relic, “The Precious Blood”, stolen in Fécamp in Seine-Maritime, rebounds in the Netherlands.
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Nicknamed “the Indiana Jones of the art world”, Mr. Brand, 52, is one of the world’s most famous art experts and sleuths. The Dutchman notably found a Picasso, an Oscar Wilde ring and “Hitler’s horses”, life-size bronze sculptures.
But getting his hands on the relic of the “Precious Blood” of Christ was a particularly extraordinary feeling for him. ”
As a Catholic, this is about as close to Jesus and the legend of the Holy Grail as you can get
», confie M. Brand. «
It was a religious experience
“, he adds.
Our video report: “Inestimable value”: the Precious Blood, treasure of the abbey church of Fécamp, has been stolen
“Huge shock”
By opening the box deposited at his doorstep, Arthur Brand discovers with satisfaction that the relic is intact.
The gold reliquary, about 30 centimeters high, houses two metal vials containing drops of Jesus’ blood collected during the crucifixion, according to believers.
A source of worship for Catholic pilgrims for more than a millennium, it was stolen from the abbey church of Fécamp on the night of June 1 to 2, two weeks before the annual celebration of the “Mass of the Precious Blood”.
«
The thief most likely got locked in at closing time and fled with the artifact
says Arthur Brand at his home, where he keeps the reliquary. The flight of this
legendary coin
” has been ”
a huge shock
says Mr. Brand. An investigation was immediately opened by the police.
The “real” relic
The cardboard box mysteriously given to Arthur Brand did not only contain the reliquary. The art detective also discovered several copper liturgical plaques, representations of saints and an ornate goblet, also stolen from the abbey in June.
AFP was able to see the reliquary but was unable to verify its authenticity or that of the other objects found. They have not yet been reviewed by police or independent experts, and the abbey could not immediately be reached for comment.
But according to Arthur Brand, there is no doubt about their authenticity. ”
I have no doubt in my mind that this is the real
Precious Blood of Christ, underlines the art detective. ”
Religious objects are almost impossible to counterfeit
“, he assures.
The Dutchman became interested in art and history at a very young age, and specialized in the art and antiques trade after studying Spanish and history. ”
He discovers that this business has a dark side
” and enriches enormously criminals, can we read in his biography on his website.
The total value of the cases partially solved by Brand is estimated at more than 150 million euros, it is still written.
” A curse ”
His role in the “Precious Blood” affair begins a few days after the theft, when he receives an email from an anonymous sender claiming to have the stolen loot in his possession.
«
This person approached me on behalf of another, where the stolen relics were stored
“says the art detective.
Most ”
to have the ultimate relic, the blood of Jesus in one’s house, stolen, it’s a curse
says Brand.
When the thieves realized what they had stolen, relics
unsaleable
because no buyer would want it, they understood that they had to get rid of it, he adds.
The art expert showed AFP an e-mail written in Dutch in which the person asks him to take back the stolen objects because it was too risky for him to return them to the abbey church itself. The anonymous sender then warns Arthur Brand that the loot will be deposited at his home, without specifying the date.
The detective thinks the thieves wanted to go through him to return the items because ”
it would have been too dangerous to involve the police
». «
These people know my reputation
and, underlines this passionate about art and history, the most important thing is that the relic finds its place in the sacristy of the abbey of Fécamp, for at least another 1,000 years.
In video: Replay. “The 7 minutes” #148 Monday, July 11, 2022
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