Who stole the Mona Lisa in 1911? This question has intrigued art enthusiasts and historians for over a century. The theft of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous painting remains one of the most baffling mysteries in the history of art. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding the theft, the investigation that followed, and the enduring fascination with this enigmatic event.
The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 16th century, is not only a masterpiece of Renaissance art but also a symbol of Italian culture and heritage. It was displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, where it has been since 1797. On August 21, 1911, the painting was stolen from its glass case, leaving behind only a note that read, “To whom it may concern, I, the thief, am Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian employed at the Louvre.” The theft sparked an international search for the precious artwork, and the mystery would not be solved for two years.
Vincenzo Peruggia, a 27-year-old Italian employee of the Louvre, was initially considered the prime suspect. Peruggia had a passion for Italian art and was known to have expressed his desire to bring the Mona Lisa back to Italy. He had even previously stolen a painting by Vittorio Carpaccio from the Louvre in 1909, although it was later returned. On the night of the theft, Peruggia entered the Louvre after hours, broke into the Mona Lisa’s glass case, and hid the painting in a sack.
After the theft, the French police launched an investigation, which eventually led them to Peruggia. He was arrested in Florence, Italy, on November 22, 1913, after attempting to sell the painting to a dealer. Peruggia claimed that he had intended to return the Mona Lisa to Italy, but he had become too afraid to do so. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, but was released after serving only 18 months.
The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louvre on January 22, 1914, and has since been on display there, protected by advanced security measures. The theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 remains a significant event in the history of art, not only for the loss of the painting itself but also for the intense media coverage and public fascination that followed. The mystery of who stole the Mona Lisa in 1911 continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world, making it one of the most enduring stories in art history.
