Art Theft: Most Famous Cases in History

Art theft is an ancient and complicated crime. When you look at the some of the most famous cases of art thefts in history, you see thoroughly planned operations that involve art dealers, art fakers, mobsters, ransoms, and millions of dollars. Here you can read about some of the most famous cases of art theft in the history.

The First Theft: The first documented case of art theft was in 1473, when two panels of altarpiece of the Last Judgment by the Dutch painter Hans Memling were stolen. While the triptych was being transported by ship from the Netherlands to Florence, the ship was attacked by pirates who took it to the Gdansk cathedral in Poland. Nowadays, the piece is shown at the National Museum in Gdansk where it was recently moved from the Basilica of the Assumption.

The Most Famous Theft: The most famous story of art theft involves one of the most famous paintings in the world and one of the most famous artists in history as a suspect. In the night of August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen out of the Louver. Soon after, Pablo Picasso was arrested and questioned by the police, but was released quickly.

It took about two years until the mystery was solved by the Parisian police. It turned out that the 30×21 inch painting was taken by one of the museum employees by the name of Vincenzo Peruggia, who simply carried it hidden under his coat. Nevertheless, Peruggia did not work alone. The crime was carefully conducted by a notorious con man, Eduardo de Valfierno, who was sent by an art faker who intended to make copies and sell them as if they were the original painting.

While Yves Chaudron, the art faker, was busy creating copies for the famous masterpiece, Mona Lisa was still hidden at Peruggias apartment. After two years in which Peruggia did not hear from Chaudron, he tried to make the best out of his stolen good. Eventually, Peruggia was caught by the police while trying to sell the painting to an art dealer from Florence, Italy. The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louver in 1913.

The Biggest Theft in the USA: The biggest art theft in United States took place at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. On the night of March 18, 1990, a group of thieves wearing police uniforms broke into the museum and took thirteen paintings whose collective value was estimated at around 300 million dollars. The thieves took two paintings and one print by Rembrandt, and works of Vermeer, Manet, Degas, Govaert Flinck, as well as a French and a Chinese artifact.

As of yet, none of the paintings have been found and the case is still unsolved. According to recent rumors, the FBI are investigating the possibility that the Boston Mob along with French art dealers are connected to the crime.

The Scream: The painting by Edvard Munchs, The Scream, is probably the most sought after painting by art thieves in history. It has been stolen twice and was only recently recovered. In 1994, during the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, The Scream was stolen from an Oslo gallery by two thieves who broke through an open window, set off the alarm and left a note saying: thanks for the poor security.

Three months later, the holders of the painting approached the Norwegian Government with an offer: 1 million dollars ransom for Edvard Munchs The Scream. The Government turned down the offer, but the Norwegian police collaborated with the British Police and the Getty Museum to organize a sting operation that brought back the painting to where it belongs.

Ten years later, The Scream was stolen again from the Munch Museum. This time, the robbers used a gun and took another of Munchs painting with them. While Museum officials waiting for the thieves to request ransom money, rumors claimed that both paintings were burned to conceal evidence. Eventually, the Norwegian police discovered the two paintings on August 31, 2006 but the facts on how they were recovered are not known yet. Other than painting, Ash Bisterre writes for a guide to online casinos that provides detailed reports on betting ventures. If you are in the US, go here for casinos that accept US players Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Celebrating in style – 400 years of Rembrandt

2006 is the year when 400 years ago Rembrandt, Holland’s greatest 17th-century painter, was born. It will be the perfect occasion to train the spotlight on this Dutch master throughout the year. Like no other artist, Rembrandt managed to capture light and shadows in paint. In addition, his drawings and etchings are unequalled.

The spectacular Rembrandt 400 program pays homage to Holland’s greatest 17th-century painter. Like no other artist, Rembrandt managed to capture light and shadows in paint. In addition, his drawings and etchings are unparalleled. Exclusive exhibitions and first-rate events throughout the year will highlight surprising facets of Rembrandt. Never before were so many famous and lesser-known works of the Dutch master on display together. Museums from around the world will loan their Rembrandt works to museums in Amsterdam and Leiden for this historical and cultural event. The 2006 exhibitions are expected to attract some 1.5 million visitors, both from Amsterdam as well as abroad.

The exceptional exhibitions not only show Rembrandt’s actual works, but will also focus on the man behind the painter, etcher and drawer. The main attractions include Rembrandt - Caravaggio, a unique meeting of these geniuses of the Northern and Southern Baroque and Rembrandt’s Mother, Myth and Reality; various figures in his work were identified as being his father, mother, sister or uncle. This exhibition explores these myths and assumptions. The exposition Rembrandt - The Quest of a Genius is devoted to Rembrandt’s 20-year-long artistic and personal crisis after his wife Saskia died.

In addition these unique exhibitions there are various Rembrandt walking routes which have been mapped out, one Rembrandt musical will premiere in 2006 and numerous other activities will celebrate Rembrandt 400 throughout the year.

The world-famous collection of Rembrandts in the Rijksmuseum is one of the most wide-ranging in the world. In 2006 this museum will mount four Rembrandt 400 exhibitions. In addition to these exhibitions, the museum has an extensive program of Rembrandt events.

The year 2006 is a very special year for The Rembrandt House Museum. Four hundred years earlier, in 1606, construction work started on this house in Amsterdam in which Rembrandt was to live during his heyday. 1606 is also the year in which Rembrandt was born. Additionally, it would have been 100 years ago that it was decided to convert this very house into a museum. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate. The Rembrandt House Museum presents four spectacular exhibitions. Many of the works on display in these four exhibitions are returning to the place where they were made for the very first time in four centuries.

Rembrandt was one of the greatest graphical talents in history. His generation already admired him for his free drawing technique, his dramatic flair obscure and his daring etching experiments. Until today his etchings have been a source of inspiration for various famous artists, such as Goya and Picasso. Rembrandt has made some 290 etchings altogether.

Throughout the year, exhibitions and events will be presented to highlight surprising aspects of this famous artist. It is just the right occasion for the lover of his work to visit this city now. Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on Celebrating in style – 400 years of Rembrandt. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Famous Art Galleries

In any city in the world that you choose to visit, you will be sure to find at least one art gallery. However, some of them are so well-known, that people will literally travel the world to find them. These most famous galleries house the great masterpieces of the world.

The Louvre in Paris, France is probably the most famous art gallery in the world. While it can also be considered a museum the art housed in the Louvre is truly stunning. The most famous piece of art in the Louvre is the Mona Lisa, by Da Vinci. This painting has been stolen and recovered, and is now kept under high security. The Louvre also houses many other famous paintings by Da Vinci and hundreds of other famous artists.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is a renowned location for beautiful art masterpieces. This museum has an impressive assortment of American paintings. In addition to these, it also has paintings and statues by famous artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, and El Greco. This makes it a global museum.

Our next stop is London, England, where the National Gallery is situated. There you will find glorious works by the best known artists of Europe. Some of the most famous are by Raphael, Manet, da Vinci, Renoir, and Monet. True art lovers will need to make a visit to this stunning gallery at some time in their lives. Some paintings hanging there are: Sunflowers, by Vincent Van Gogh; The Virgin of the Rocks, by Leonardo da Vinci; and Venus and Mars, by Sandro Botticelli.

Not all galleries across the world are homes to the old masters. Many of them offer representations from the twentieth century. Among the most famous contemporary art galleries and museums is the George Pompidou Center in Paris. The architecture is unique as well, since the piping and ducts are on the outside, rather than being hidden behind walls.

Visiting contemporary art galleries and museums is a fascinating experience as they walk you through the past few decades and highlight the changes in style and taste. These museums and galleries feature not only paintings, drawings, and prints, but also exhibit furniture, sound, light, and even music. This truly illustrates the passage of time.

Most of the major European cities are home to at least a national and a contemporary gallery. Usually there are also private galleries. Any time you visit a major metropolitan area, be sure to include the galleries in your itinerary. It's a wonderful way to learn about a country and its cultures. History and its changes are reflected in the art on display.

If you are interested in purchasing some art, the above mentioned art galleries won't sell you any of their master pieces. Typically you will need to go to a private art gallery to buy good art. You may not find Renoirs or Van Gogh's, but there is plenty of beautiful art that you can bring home. Art houses like Christie's often hold art auctions that feature some stunning pieces that you can bid on.

Art is an important part of any history. Paying a visit to a gallery can transport you back in time, where you can see works produced by some of the most creative minds to ever exist. About the author: Clair Jons is the chief writer at FE Art, a fantastic website to visit if you're looking for accurate up to date advice and discussion about Art. For further information on Art please visit: http://www.feart.com/articles Why not sign up for our free Art newsletter at: http://www.feart.com/newsletters Don't reprint the same version as everyone else. Get your own unique content art article here. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com