The Managing Director of Adams Auctioneers says he does not believe there will be much of a market for three paintings stolen from a house in Co Wicklow to be sold on.
The paintings were stolen from a house in Donard last Wednesday evening.
The paintings include John Lavery's 'Portrait of a Lady', which measures about 65cm x 30cm.
The other two paintings are Paul Henry's 'Landscape with Cottage', measuring about 40cm x 50cm, and 'The Fern in the Area' by Jack B Yeats, which is approximately 40cm x 50cm.
Auctioneers estimate the three paintings could be worth between €150,000 and €200,000.
James O'Halloran said there had been a lot of publicity surrounding the theft, and the Art Loss Register would have been informed of it.
He said anybody being offered the paintings for sale could easily check up and find out about their provenance.
"I really can't see any sense in stealing pictures really of any calibre, but particularly ones of this sort of calibre, because they will be instantly recognised.
"Normally somebody buying a picture, and certainly a picture of any sort of reasonable value, would inquire as to their provenance.
"If we put through pictures in our auctions we get them checked by the Art Loss Register in London," Mr O'Halloran said.
The National Gallery of Ireland said the theft is regrettable and it hopes they will be returned to the owner.
In a statement, it added: "The work of Jack B Yeats, John Lavery and Paul Henry occupies a very special place in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland and in the affections of the Irish public."
Gardaí have appealed to anyone with information on the incident to contact Baltinglass Garda Station on 059-6482610, the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111 or any garda station.
