Art Theft: Most Famous Cases in History

Art theft is an complicated and ancient offense. When you take a look at the some of the instances of art thefts in history, you see operations that involve art fakers, art dealers, mobsters, ransoms, along with countless dollars. Here you can read about a few of the instances of art theft from the history.

The Theft:
The earliest instance of art theft was first in 1473, when two panels of altarpiece of the Judgment by the painter Hans Memling were stolen. Though ship was transporting the triptych in the Netherlands to Florence, the boat was attacked by pirates that took this to the Gdansk Palace. The item is shown at the National Museum in Gdansk in which it was moved from the Basilica of the Assumption.

The Well-known Theft:
The most famous story of art theft involves one of one of the most famous artists in history and the most famous paintings in the world for a suspect. Out of the Louver, the Mona Lisa was stolen in the night of August 21, 1911. Pablo Picasso was arrested and questioned by law enforcement, but had been released Shortly afterwards.

It took approximately two years before the mystery was solved by the police. It turned out that one of the memorial employees took the 3021 inch painting by the title of Vincenzo Peruggia, who only carried it hidden under his jacket. Nevertheless, Peruggia did not work alone. The offense was conducted with a notorious con man, Eduardo de Valfierno, that was sent.

Mona Lisa was hidden at Peruggias apartment Even though Yves Chaudron, the art faker, was busy producing copies for its renowned masterpiece. After two decades in which Chaudron was not heard from by Peruggia, he tried to make the most out of his good. Eventually, the police while attempting to sell the painting to an art dealer from Florence, Italy caught Peruggia. The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louver in 1913.

The Theft in the USA:
The art theft in United States took place. At the night of March 18, 1990, a band of thieves wearing police uniforms broke into the museum and also took. The thieves took a French and a single print by Rembrandt, also functions of Vermeer, Manet, Degas, Govaert Flinck, in Addition to two paintings and a artifact.

As of yet, none of the paintings are found and the situation remains unsolved. According to rumors, the FBI are investigating the possibility that the Boston Mob together with art dealers are joined to the offense.

The Scream:
The painting The Scream, by Edvard Munchs, is the most wanted painting by art thieves in history. It was just recovered and has been stolen. Through the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, in 1994, The Scream was stolen from an Oslo gallery with two burglars who tore through a open window, put the alarm off and left a note saying: thanks for the inadequate security.

Three months after, the Norwegian Government was approached by the holders of this painting with a offer The Scream. The offer turned down, but the Norwegian police and the Getty Museum and the Authorities collaborated to organize a sting operation that brought the painting back to where it belongs.

Ten decades later, The Scream was stolen from the Munch Museum. This moment, the robbers used a gun and required another of Munchs painting. Rumors maintained that paintings were burned to hide evidence, while superstar officials to ask ransom money. On the way they were recovered, the truth aren’t known although Finally, the Norwegian police discovered the two paintings on August 31, 2006.