History Schmistory: August 21. Mona Lisa Smuggle

Monday, August 21, 2023 by teammarcopolo in Art, History Schmistory, Learn!

1911: Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is stolen from the Louvre during business hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The culprit: Vincenzo Peruggia

See page for author [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

See page for author [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

His motive was to return the piece to Italy as a long overdue retaliation against France, whose former leader, Napoleon, stole boatloads of priceless art from Italy and sent it to Paris. A noble cause, but Leonardo actually brought the Mona Lisa to Paris himself in 1516, and it has been there ever since. Oh well, it’s the thought that counts. Vinny was arrested trying to sell it out of his closet.

Sister Windy would be ashamed!