The Fascination with Art Theft: from History to Literature

Words by Charlotte Whitehill

Everybody loves a scandal! And when it comes to scandals, certain subjects certainly capture readers' fascination and collective imagination…art theft is one such example! This interest in stolen artefacts is not simply about the physical act of stealing but also the high stakes involved in monetary value and the artistic, cultural, and unique value that art holds in the world.

Art Theft, also known as “artnapping”, refers to the criminal act of stealing paintings, sculptures, or other forms of visual art from galleries, museums, or various public and private locations. The motives behind these thefts can range from financial gain to artistic prestige or cultural significance.

We are exploring the captivating realm of art theft and how these crimes have been further analysed in literature and can sometimes blur the lines between aesthetics, excitement and downright lawlessness.

A frame for a missing artwork in the Dutch Room of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The frame once held Rembrandt's ‘The Storm on the Sea of Galilee’ (1633).

Art Theft in History

Art thefts have been an intriguing phenomenon in history for centuries. From high-profile heists like the theft of The Mona Lisa in 1911, to more recent incidents such as the theft of Munch’s ‘The Scream’ in 2004 and Van Gogh’s ‘The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring’ in 2020, these thefts leave an indelible mark on art history and how we perceive and value art. The escapades invoke a mystery and intrigue that captivates the general public and the creative minds of those within artistic communities.

The Scream, Edvard Munch, 1893.

Art Theft and Symbolism in Literature

Literature uses events such as heists and thefts as sources of inspiration, integrating the situations into stories that delve into deeper themes and complexities. 

Art theft can be driven by a deep desire for authenticity in a world filled with replicas and copies. It symbolises the lengths individuals are prepared to go to in order to possess beauty and the complex motivation of human ambition. Art theft within literature serves as a canvas for exploring the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion, raising questions about the nature of art itself and the value we place upon it.

 In literature, art thefts can also symbolise a rebellion against convention or a quest for personal fulfilment. They can represent characters' desires to break free from societal constraints and discover their true selves. Art thefts also serve as potent symbols of transformation, as characters risk everything to obtain something rare and exquisite, mirroring the transformative power that great art holds over those who encounter it. Furthermore, stolen art can symbolise loss of identity and cultural significance, reflecting society's struggles to preserve identity amid external and internal conflicts. 

 Ultimately, the symbolism of art theft in literature is layered and nuanced, reflecting broader societal and existential themes. Interpretations vary based on narrative context and authorial intent, inviting readers to ponder more profound questions about society, human nature, and the meaning of art.

‘The Art Forger’

Barbara A. Shapiro's novel "The Art Forger" transports readers into the heart of the art world, where the protagonist, Claire Roth, a talented painter and skilled forger, becomes entangled in a web of deceit involving a stolen Degas masterpiece, which Shapiro made up to create a bigger facade around her novel. As Claire navigates the morally ambiguous terrain of forgery and theft, Shapiro deftly explores themes of artistic integrity and the elusive quest for recognition. The novel challenges perceptions of authenticity and sheds light on the complex relationships between artists, collectors, and the art establishment.

Shapiro explores the moral complexities of forgery and theft, challenging traditional notions of authenticity and value in art. The stolen art piece serves as a metaphor for identity, reflecting how original context and meaning can be altered or erased in the art world.

“The Art Forger” prompts reflection on the ethics and morality surrounding art. It highlights the manipulation of history and the blurred lines between authenticity and deception. It underscores how the origins and value of a piece can be obscured or manipulated, symbolising loss and displacement within an artistic landscape.

Using the act of theft as a lens to explore the broader themes of identity, morality, and worth, he invites readers to contemplate the intricacies of the human condition beyond the surface of stolen paintings. The novel ultimately challenges our perceptions of what is real and what holds value in the world of art.

The Chorus of Singers, Edgar Degas, 1876.

‘Stealing Mona Lisa’

Carson Morton's "Stealing Mona Lisa" fictionalises the infamous 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. Through the eyes of Eduardo de Valfierno, the mastermind allegedly behind the theft, Morton crafts a narrative that goes beyond the act of stealing. Valfierno's motivations delve into his fascination with beauty and the desire to possess the unattainable. The novel intertwines history with imagination, highlighting the emotional and psychological dimensions of art theft while exploring themes of obsession and the transformative power of art.

At the narrative's core is the Mona Lisa, an iconic and globally renowned symbol of beauty and mystery. The theft of this masterpiece by former Louvre employee Vincenzo Peruggia underscores its cultural significance and the complex motivations behind such acts. Morton’s exploration extends beyond the crime, questioning the morality and consequences of pursuing the unattainable. The obsession with possessing the Mona Lisa symbolises a universal desire for rarity and value.

Intertwining history with imagination, highlighting themes of obsession and the transformative power of art, through Valfierno’s lens, Morton illuminates the emotional and psychological dimensions of art theft, challenging readers to consider the depths individuals will go to in the pursuit of beauty.

Ultimately, the novel invites reflection on art's enduring symbolism and how it imitates the perception and value endured in the real world. It illustrates how the quest for the unattainable shapes our understanding of beauty, obsession, and the complexities of human desire.

People observing the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, 1503.

Art thefts in history and literature continue to intrigue and inspire. They offer a portal through which we can explore human nature, ambition, and the allure of the extraordinary. Novels like "The Art Forger" and "Stealing Mona Lisa" entertain and provoke thought about the deeper meanings and symbolisms behind these daring exploits. One thing is for sure: the world of art thefts spotlights the perspectives we hold on the timeless allure of art and its enduring impact on our lives and imaginations.