Painting found 20 years after theft

A $200,000 painting by renowned Australian artist Rupert Bunny has been found at a
Melbourne home nearly 20 years after it was stolen.

Girl in Sunlight was reported stolen in April 1991 from a private collection on the
Mornington Peninsula but a recent tip-off from the public led police to a home in
East Malvern.
A 61-year-old man from East Malvern is assisting police with inquiries about the
1913 painting valued at $200,000.
The prolific Bunny (1864-1947) is regarded as one of Australia's pre-eminent artists
of the late 19th and early 20th century and his work is exhibited at the National
Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
His dreamy, often romantic themes of women in idyllic settings also made his work
hugely popular abroad.
"It's wonderful the painting has been recovered," Elena Taylor, curator of
Australian art at the NGV, told AAP.
"His works regularly come up for auction and go for high prices. Some of his work
has gone for over $1 million.
"He's a significant figure. He's particularly known for his beautiful paintings of
women done at this time, particularly women at leisure and this one fits into that."
Ms Taylor said the NGV would not try to purchase Girl in Sunlight to add to its
exhibition.
The painting will be held as evidence until police have completed inquiries.
It shows a young woman sitting in a garden reading under a parasol.