Creative Heists: Famous Cases Of Art Theft

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An artwork with the signature of a famous artist could be worth millions. Usually housed in museums, these masterpieces are monitored to ensure that they will incur no damage. However, once these works are lost, they are harder to recover due to the prevalence of art forgery. Here are some famous cases of art theft:

1. The Stewart Gardner Museum Heist

In 1990, robbers entered the backdoor in disguises and took all their hands could hold for the next 90 minutes with very little fight required. With works by Manet and Rembrandt and masterpieces from the Shang Dynasty among others, it is estimated that almost $500 million-worth of art pieces has been stolen from the place. Up to this day, some of the frames are still hanging in the museum in hopes that they will be restored one day. This case is considered the biggest art heist in history.

2. Missing Mona Lisa

In 1911, Vincenzo Peruggia stole one of the world’s most famous painting—the Mona Lisa. As a former employee of the Louvre, the thief had access to the gallery and successfully stole the prized painting. Unlike other heists, this one had a noble goal. Peruggia believes that the artwork should be displayed in Italy as the country was Da Vinci’s homeland. After a few years of trying to sell the artwork, a potential buyer reported Peruggia to authorities, and the Mona Lisa was restored to its original place at the Louvre.

3. Munch Museum Robbery

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The Norwegian expressionist Edvard Munch is best known for his work, The Scream. Though half of the four parts has been stolen, a dramatic robbery in 2004 allowed two gunmen to get away with one version of The Scream and another artwork called the Madonna. In 2006, the suspects were caught and the two artworks were returned to the museum with damages.

Stealing a piece of high-culture can be worth millions. Thankfully, museums all over the world have heightened their security measures, especially for prized and iconic pieces.

Adam Quirk has previously worked for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, excelling in leading drug diversion and solving violent crimes. Visit this website for more on Adam and his firm, Stealth Advise.