As you can see from the enclosed documents and photos, this is a painting which probably has some history [it is marked for Frans/z de Paula Ferg, 1689-1740, on the back and is approximately 12 x 9in/30.5 x 23cm].
I have spent some time contacting organisations to locate the owner but to no avail.
I think that the painting may belong to one of the Cambridge colleges which, at the time, may not have kept accurate records of their pictures and, as a result, were not aware of the loss.
The picture was handed into the local police station shortly after I found it, but no one claimed it and the police returned it to me. The painting has since been restored by me at the university’s restoration facility.
I would be so pleased to find the rightful owner and wondered whether your readers might be able to help as it appeals to a very wide audience. Many thanks for any help you can give me.
John Lee
ATG note: if you can help please contact us at editorial@antiquestradegazette.com.
