Munch masterpiece may be ruined

One of two paintings by Edvard Munch stolen earlier this year was seriously damaged.

Citing what it called multiple independent sources familiar with the art world, as well as criminal sources, newspaper Verdens Gang reported that the Madonna, had been ruined.

In August, three masked robbers, including at least one with a pistol, took The Scream and Madonna from Oslo’s Munch Museum and fled in a stolen car.

The robbery shook the art world and left it to ponder how it protects priceless paintings and other works of art.

Police Inspector Iver Stensrud said investigators were aware of the rumours of damage to the painting.

The museum has been closed for a security assessment since shortly the theft. There has been no sign of the paintings, or word from the thieves, who may have stolen them hoping to get a ransom.