On Saturday evening, three pieces of “very high value” were stolen from the University of Oxford’s Christ Church Picture Gallery.
A Solider on Horseback, painted by Anthony Van Dyck, is arguably the most significant work of the trio, dating to around 1616 under the reign of King Charles I.
A Boy Drinking by Annibale Carracci and A Rocky Coast, With Soldiers Studying a Plan by Salvator Rosa were also part of the robbery.
Christ Church Picture Gallery was founded following a donation from John Guise in 1765, in which he bequeathed over 200 paintings and 2,000 drawings to his former college.
The gallery was opened by the Queen in 1968.
A spokesperson for Christ Church College has said that staff alerted the police to the "important cultural artefacts” absence and that the gallery is to be closed for the foreseeable future.
Thames Valley Police’s Det Ch Insp Jon Capps said that: "The paintings which have been stolen are very high-value pieces dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
"The artwork has not yet been recovered but a thorough investigation is under way to find it and bring those responsible to justice.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area while officers and staff carry out enquiries. If you saw or heard anything suspicious in the area last night, please get in touch.”
The college have said they are “extremely grateful” for the swift response by the police.
Those with any additional information are advised to get in touch.
