Art Theft Most Famous Cases in History
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Art Theft: The Most Famous Cases in History
Summary
This article explores some of the most renowned art thefts in history, including the thefts of the Mona Lisa and The Scream.
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Art theft is a complex crime that has been occurring for centuries. The most infamous cases reveal meticulously planned heists involving art dealers, forgers, mobsters, and fortunes in ransom. Let's delve into some of history's most notorious art thefts.
The First Recorded Theft
The earliest documented art theft happened in 1473 when pirates seized two panels from Hans Memling's altarpiece, "The Last Judgment." While being shipped from the Netherlands to Florence, the artwork was rerouted to Gdansk Cathedral in Poland. Today, it's displayed at the National Museum in Gdansk, having recently moved from the Basilica of the Assumption.
The Most Famous Theft
Arguably the most famous art theft involved the world-renowned "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci. On August 21, 1911, the painting was stolen from the Louvre. Initially, artist Pablo Picasso was questioned but quickly released.
The mystery was solved two years later when it was discovered that Vincenzo Peruggia, a museum employee, had hidden the painting under his coat. However, he wasn't acting alone. Mastermind Eduardo de Valfierno planned the heist alongside art forger Yves Chaudron, intending to sell replicas as originals. While Chaudron busied himself with copies, Peruggia kept the "Mona Lisa" hidden. Eventually, he was caught trying to sell it in Florence. The masterpiece returned to the Louvre in 1913.
The Largest Theft in the US
The biggest art theft in U.S. history occurred at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston on March 18, 1990. Disguised as police officers, thieves stole thirteen artworks valued at around $300 million. Pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Manet, Degas, and artifacts from France and China were taken.
Despite ongoing rumors and investigations, none of the artworks have been recovered. The FBI suspects involvement from the Boston Mob and French art dealers.
The Scream
Edvard Munch's "The Scream" is another frequent target for art thieves. Stolen twice, it has only recently been recovered. In 1994, during the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, it was stolen from an Oslo gallery. The thieves left a note mocking the poor security.
Three months later, an offer of $1 million ransom was made to the Norwegian Government, which was declined. Collaborating with British police and the Getty Museum, the Norwegian police orchestrated a successful sting operation to recover the painting.
Ten years later, "The Scream" was stolen again from the Munch Museum, along with another Munch piece. Rumors suggested both artworks were burned to hide evidence, but on August 31, 2006, Norwegian police recovered them. Details of the recovery remain undisclosed.
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These heists highlight the allure and vulnerability of priceless paintings, reminding us of art's enduring global intrigue.
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