Known as the "Indiana Jones" of the art world, Arthur Brand claims to have found the relic of Christ's "Precious Blood" stolen in June from the French abbey of Fécamp, where it had been for a thousand years.
The Dutch investigator - one of the most famous and expert in hunting for stolen or lost works - allegedly received a message via email from an anonymous person and last July 1st someone rang the door of his house leaving a box of cardboard.
However, the sacred object has not yet been brought to the Dutch police, who have received a request for assistance from France to investigate the identity of the thief and the authenticity of the piece.
"After the investigation, our findings and the relic will be handed over to the French police," said Dutch police spokesman Dennis Janus.
"As a Catholic - commented Brand -, this is the closest you can get to the legend of Jesus and the Holy Grail. It was a religious experience".
According to tradition, the drops of Jesus' blood were collected by Joseph of Arimathea, who had buried Christ together with Nicodemus. Brand in the past found a Picasso, a ring by Oscar Wilde and "Hitler's horses", life-size bronze sculptures.
(Unioneonline / ss)
