Masterpiece stolen in art heist

A embrassing robery was commited against the Art Gallery of NSW. The thefts stole a valuable self-portrait by the Dutch master Frans van Mieris.

The embrassing part is that it is unclear when the small painting, 20 centimetres by 16 centimetres, was plucked from the gallery's walls or how it was taken from the building without alerting security officers. The timing is also bad considering the gallery, which recently revealed details of the biggest security operation in its history for an Islamic arts exhibition opening in eight days. The exhibition is believed to be tighter than at previous shows featuring key works by Renoir, Picasso, Pissarro and Van Gogh, according to gallery sources.

Police believe it to be a inside job and are going over all video.

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