Art Theft Most Famous Cases in History
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Art Theft: Most Famous Cases in History
Overview
Art theft is a captivating and complex crime, often involving meticulous planning, art dealers, forgers, and organized crime. Here, we explore some of the most infamous art thefts in history, including the thefts of the Mona Lisa and Edvard Munch's The Scream.
Early Art Theft
The first documented case of art theft dates back to 1473, involving two panels of Hans Memling's "Last Judgment" altarpiece. Pirates intercepted the artwork en route from the Netherlands to Florence, and it ended up at the Gdansk Cathedral in Poland. Today, this piece is housed at the National Museum in Gdansk.
The Iconic Mona Lisa Heist
The theft of the Mona Lisa is perhaps the most renowned art crime. On August 21, 1911, the masterpiece was stolen from the Louvre. Suspicion initially fell on Pablo Picasso, but he was quickly cleared.
The painting was eventually discovered in the possession of Vincenzo Peruggia, a museum employee who had hidden it under his coat. He was part of a scheme orchestrated by con man Eduardo de Valfierno and art faker Yves Chaudron, who planned to sell replica paintings as originals. Eventually, Peruggia was apprehended while attempting to sell the painting in Florence, and the Mona Lisa returned to the Louvre in 1913.
The Largest U.S. Art Theft
The biggest art heist in U.S. history occurred at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on March 18, 1990. Thieves disguised as police officers stole 13 pieces, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Manet, valued at approximately $300 million.
Despite ongoing investigations, the artwork remains missing, with speculation about involvement from the Boston mob and French art dealers.
Edvard Munch's "The Scream"
Edvard Munch's "The Scream" stands as one of the most desired targets for art thieves. It was first stolen in 1994 during the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Thieves left a taunting note after breaching an Oslo gallery's security.
The thieves demanded a $1 million ransom, but the Norwegian government refused. A sting operation involving Norwegian police, the British police, and the Getty Museum led to the painting's recovery a few months later.
The Scream was stolen again in 2004, along with another Munch artwork, in a brazen armed robbery from the Munch Museum. Rumors suggested the paintings were destroyed to cover up the theft. Nevertheless, Norwegian police recovered both on August 31, 2006, though the circumstances remain undisclosed.
These heists highlight the enduring allure of art and the lengths to which individuals will go to possess it.
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