Detroit Institute of Art sued over $5M Van Gogh piece

A Brazilian Art Collector is suing the Detroit Institute of Art for allegedly stealing an 1888 painting from the famous post-impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh. The painting called 'Lisuese de Romans' or 'The Novel Reader' has been on display in the DIA since October for the Van Gogh in America exhibit. It's estimated to be worth $5 million. According to a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, a private art collector purchased the painting back in 2017 for $3.7 million. It was absconded by a third party immediately. The alleged owner, Gustavo Soter claims he has been searching for it ever since. His hunt ended in January when someone snapped a picture of it here in Detroit. Soter is now requesting that the DIA either return the art piece to him immediately or keep it in their possession until the lawsuit is settled.