History Daily The Mona Lisa is Stolen from the Louvre
Aug 21, 2025
On August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre by the crafty Italian handyman, Vincenzo Peruggia. His meticulous heist included overcoming locked doors and garnering unexpected help, triggering a sensational manhunt. The theft sparked intense media frenzy, even involving artists like Pablo Picasso in a courtroom drama. As Peruggia boldly planned to sell the painting to Italy, his motivations rooted in nationalism unveiled a complicated narrative. Ultimately, public sympathy colored his trial, transforming a crime into a tale of fame.
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Artists Caught In The Scandal
- Picasso and Guillaume Apollinaire were accused and publicly humiliated in court amid the investigation into the theft.
- Their emotional, contradictory testimonies led the judge to dismiss the case against them.
Stolen Fame Boosted The Painting
- The theft greatly increased public interest in the Mona Lisa and turned it into a global icon.
- Picasso and Apollinaire's involvement amplified press attention and made the painting a tourist draw.
Simple Heist, Big Consequences
- Vincenzo Peruggia entered the Louvre in a white smock, removed the Mona Lisa from the wall, and hid it under his clothing.
- He escaped through a service door, later storing the painting in his tiny Paris kitchen for over two years.
