Big Van Gogh Statue Missing from Assen – Possible Prank

A very tall statue of the famous Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, measuring four meters, has vanished from the city of Assen in the northern part of the Netherlands. The people who took it left a sign, suggesting that this disappearance was part of a joke. This area in the North of the Netherlands is known for having a strong history of participating in playful pranks and jokes before the New Year.

Statue Gone on December 11 Night

The statue disappeared from Assen during the night of December 11 and was discovered to have been replaced by a sign hinting that the theft might be a part of a detailed prank. According to RTV Drenthe, the statue, which is very heavy at over 1,000 kilograms, shows the Dutch artist holding the painting “De Turfschuit” under his left arm. This painting is one of only five that Van Gogh made while he was in Drenthe in 1883.

Large Sign with Playful Message

A big sign was put where the statue used to be, and it had the words: “I got a bit surprised last night, now I find myself somewhere else with my paintbrush.” The statue had only been in the city since September 2023, placed at the Kop van de Vaart in Assen by the Vaart in Assen Association, for an exhibition organized by Het Drents Museum.

Association Checking CCTV for Mischievous Thieves

Even though the association is surprised, they are happy that the statue’s disappearance seems to be a prank, not a crime. Kjelt Vosjan from the Vaart in Assen association said, “At least we’re glad there’s a sign with it. It shows that it’s a playful act. But it’s clear that we want the statue back soon.”

North Netherlands Tradition of Pranksters

The association is now trying to see videos from nearby businesses to find out who is responsible for the statue’s disappearance. In the North of the Netherlands, there is a long tradition of people taking statues and other famous things before New Year, only to give them back after the celebrations are finished.