Art Sleuth Returns Statue to France almost 50 Years after Heist

Dutch art detective Arthur Brand hands over the long-lost bronze sculpture to Catherine Monnet, director of the Musee du Pays Chatillonnais in eastern France JOHN THYS AFP

A Dutch art detective has returned a rare Roman statue that was considered one of France's most important treasures to the museum from which it was stolen nearly 50 years ago.

Arthur Brand, dubbed the "Indiana Jones of the Art World" for his exploits, handed back the 1st century bronze sculpture statue of the god Bacchus to the director of the Musee du Pays Chatillonnais in eastern France.