Stolen Titian masterpiece found

Tim Moore shows off the wrapping in which the costly painting was found

LONDON, England -- A seven-year search for a painting by Renaissance master Titian, stolen from an English stately home, ended on Thursday.

"Rest on the Flight into Egypt" estimated to be worth $7.5 million (£5 million), was found intact, but without its frame, in a plastic shopping bag in London after a long and difficult search led by Charles Hill, former Scotland Yard detective.

The painting was stolen on January 6, 1995, from Lord Bath's Longleat House in southern England.

During the investigation the estate offered a $150,000 (£100,000) award for any information leading to the painting's safe return.

Longleat's general manager Tim Moore said: "Mr. Hill is the leading expert in his field and he has remained confident throughout that the picture would eventually turn up. He has succeeded and we are extremely grateful for all his hard work."

Lord Bath, who is in France at the moment, said he was delighted at the news of the painting's safe return.

He added: "I shall wait until I have been able to see it with my own eyes before I get too excited or make any further comments."

The two-foot wide painting depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus and was bought by the 4th Marquess of Bath at a Christie's auction in 1878.

The painting is not believed to be badly damaged, but will undergo a conservation process before its return to Longleat.