The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession

Art theft has a rich and intriguing history dating back centuries. Historic art thefts captivate the public’s imagination, reflecting the human fascination with art and the lengths to which individuals will go to possess it. Consequently, stories of art heists—both real and fictional—have become an integral part of our cultural narrative. The theft of famous artworks often contributes to their mystique and value. However, masterpieces that remain missing represent an irreplaceable loss of cultural heritage. In The Art Thief, Finkel captures the intriguing nature of art theft while also exploring the serious impact of such crimes on society.

In recounting Stéphane Breitwieser’s offenses, Finkel references a number of other high-profile art crimes. For example, the theft of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911 by Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia. After being hidden in Peruggia’s apartment for over two years, the painting’s recovery only added to the Mona Lisa’s reputation, increasing its enigmatic quality. Repeated theft attempts have also contributed to the appeal of Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Stolen from the National Gallery in Norway in 1994, the painting was recovered later that year.

For every masterpiece restored to its rightful place, many more art robberies result in artworks being permanently lost to society.