It was August 21, 1911 and "The Mona Lisa", Leonardo De Vinci's most famous painting, was stolen right off the wall of The Louvre in France.
It was not noticed to be missing until the next day. The museum officials spent that morning checking all throughout the museum to see if it was being photographed or cleaned. There was no way they could believe it could have been stolen.
It was gone alright. Sixty Paris police investigators were summoned to the Louvre to scour the museum for clues.
The museum closed for a week while the search was on. After it reopened scores of people stood in line to look at the empty space where the painting once hung.
With few clues to go on public speculation was rampant. The French blamed the Germans. The Germans blamed the French.
Months went by and still no luck.
Was the Mona Lisa lost forever?
Finally two years later in 1913 the thief resurfaced.
Months went by and still no luck.
Was the Mona Lisa lost forever?
Finally two years later in 1913 the thief resurfaced.
A well known antique dealer, Mr. Geri, placed a newspaper ad in several Italian newspapers soliciting art and antiquities. Someone named "Leonardo" sent him a letter saying he had the Mona Lisa.
He wanted to sell the painting for 500,000 lire and a promise the painting would not leave Italy. He wished to restore to Italy what had been stolen by Napolean Mr. Geri was skeptical but met with the this man after informing the authorities.
Geri watched in amazement as Leonard opened an old suitcase and removed the contents of old clothes. He then lifted the false bottom.
He wanted to sell the painting for 500,000 lire and a promise the painting would not leave Italy. He wished to restore to Italy what had been stolen by Napolean Mr. Geri was skeptical but met with the this man after informing the authorities.
Geri watched in amazement as Leonard opened an old suitcase and removed the contents of old clothes. He then lifted the false bottom.
There lay the Mona Lisa!
The official seal of the Louvre was spotted on the back of the painting.
"Leonardo", was actually Vincenzo Peruggia, who had once worked at the Louvre and new his way around.
The public went wild when the painting was found ! It went on display throughout Italy until was returned to France with great fanfare in December of 1913.
