The large “Wally the Galah” painting was taken from the Lyell McEwin Hospital cardiology ward on December 28,

Police said a man walked in and took the artwork off the wall and was filmed by security cameras strapping it to the roof of his car and driving away.

Officers later searched a Salisbury Heights house and reported a 38-year-old man for theft and possessing a prohibited weapon, but the painting wasn’t found.

Police said that a member of the public found the painting at an Elizabeth North business premises, which was not identified.

The painting was returned to the hospital soon after.

Photo: SA Police/supplied

A man will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court at a later date.