Masterpieces haunted by brutal past could send records tumbling at Sotheby’s

Van Gogh and Cézanne paintings among magnificent collection stained by allegations of abduction and killingTwelve rarely seen masterpieces glowing with life and beauty will go on sale at Sotheby’s in New York on Wednesday.The collection, which resembles a miniature Courtauld gallery, includes Van Gogh’s towering chestnut tree, Monet’s shimmering vista of the Tuileries and Paul Cézanne’s Arlequin, a portrait of…