What happened here?
In 1911, the art world was shaken when the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci's most famous painting, was stolen from the Louvre in Paris. The thief, Italian painter and decorator Vincenzo Peruggia, hid the painting in his apartment for two years. His motivation was to return the painting to Italy, believing it had been wrongfully taken. The theft caused an international sensation, making the Mona Lisa even more famous. The painting was eventually recovered and returned to the Louvre in 1913.
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Daring Thief Locks Louvre from Inside
On Monday, August 21, 1911, when the Louvre was closed to the public, Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian painter and decorator, decided to execute his plan. Disguised as a museum employee, Peruggia entered the Denon Gallery, where the Mona Lisa was displayed. With the painting hidden under his coat, he managed to escape without arousing suspicion. His motivation was simple but deeply rooted: he wanted to return the painting to Italy.
Peruggia hid the Mona Lisa in his Paris apartment, where it remained for two years. Meanwhile, the theft became an international scandal. The police were baffled, and although many suspects were questioned, including the famous painter Pablo Picasso, the painting remained missing. It was not until 1913, when Peruggia attempted to sell the painting to an Italian art dealer, that the Mona Lisa was finally recovered.
The theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre had far-reaching consequences. Not only did the painting become one of the most famous works in the world, but it also sparked a debate about the national ownership of artworks. The Mona Lisa was triumphantly returned to the Louvre, where it now attracts millions of visitors each year. Paradoxically, it was this very theft that contributed to its worldwide fame.
Where it happened
Coordinates: 48.8601, 2.3359 · View larger map
FAQ
In what year did Theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre happen?
It happened: 1911.
What was Theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre?
In 1911, the art world was shaken when the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci's most famous painting, was stolen from the Louvre in Paris. The thief, Italian painter and decorator Vincenzo Peruggia, hid the painting in his apartment for two years. His motivation was to return the painting to Italy, believ
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