"Notable Louvre art thefts: daring heists from the famed museum"

A Louvre Masterpiece Missing: Search for a Leonardo da Vinci Painting

23 August 1911

One of the Louvre’s most valuable artworks has vanished, according to Reuter’s Paris correspondent. The loss was discovered at midday yesterday, prompting the immediate closure of the gallery. The Minister of Fine Arts was informed by telegram. The missing painting is Leonardo da Vinci’s portrait of Mona Lisa, the wife of Florentine citizen Francesco del Giocondo. As noted by Vasari, Leonardo spent four years working on the piece. Known as "La Joconde," it was acquired by Francis I around 1500.

The disappearance caused immense shock. Authorities launched an extensive search, but no trace of the artwork has been found. The frame and glass were discovered abandoned on a staircase inside the Louvre.

Paris and the Speculation of a Hoax

24 August 1911

A growing belief in Paris suggests the disappearance of "La Gioconda," the masterpiece to which Leonardo reportedly devoted four years, may be the work of a journalist aiming to expose insufficient security measures for national art collections. Publications such as *The Matin* and *Excelsior* condemned the idea of such a stunt, calling it outrageous.

When questioned by *Figaro*, Police Prefect M. Lepine seemed inclined toward the hoax theory, while M. Bénédite, the museum’s interim director, doubted the artwork had been stolen. M. Reinach, however, was less optimistic. Some newspapers also raised the possibility that the painting was taken by someone mentally unstable.

Officials, police, museum staff, and detectives thoroughly combed every section of the Louvre, from basement to attic, yet found no sign of the missing piece. The simplicity with which it was removed from its display has sparked widespread disbelief.

Investigators determined the theft occurred between seven and nine o’clock yesterday morning. At least two individuals are thought to have been involved. The sole lead comes from a witness who reported seeing two people wrapping an object matching the painting’s dimensions on the Quai de Javel around eight that morning.

Mona Lisa Theft from Louvre Resolved: Arrested Man Admits Guilt

15 December 1915

Reports that Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned portrait of Mona Lisa has been recovered in Florence appear well-founded.

Details surrounding the 1911 theft from the Louvre and its recent discovery suggest an Italian man, Peruggia, attempted to sell the painting to a Florentine art dealer. Upon arrest, he confessed to having worked at the Louvre years earlier. While alone in the Mona Lisa’s gallery, he removed the painting from its frame and concealed it beneath his clothing.