This Week in History: 1911 - The Mona Lisa Goes Missing

On August 21, 1911, the art world was rocked by one of the most audacious art thefts in history—the disappearance of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. The painting, housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, was not only a symbol of artistic genius but also a cultural treasure admired by millions. The theft left authorities baffled and the world in shock, as the Mona Lisa vanished without a trace for over two years.

The Theft That Shocked the World

The day the Mona Lisa went missing began like any other at the Louvre. The museum was closed to the public, allowing staff to carry out maintenance work and rearrange displays. Among the workers that day was Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian handyman and former Louvre employee. Disguised in a white smock similar to what the museum workers wore, Peruggia took advantage of the quiet Monday morning to carry out his plan.

Peruggia removed the Mona Lisa from its protective glass case and hid it under his smock. He then simply walked out of the museum, unnoticed by anyone. The following day, when the museum reopened, the Mona Lisa's empty space on the wall was initially mistaken for a routine removal for photography or restoration. However, as hours passed and the painting did not reappear, the horrifying truth set in — the Mona Lisa had been stolen.

A Worldwide Search

The theft sparked a global outcry. The French police launched an extensive investigation, questioning museum staff, art dealers, and anyone who might have had a connection to the Louvre. Newspapers around the world reported on the missing painting, and the Mona Lisa became even more famous during her absence than she had been on the museum wall.

Despite extensive efforts, the police were unable to track down the painting or the thief. For two years, the whereabouts of the Mona Lisa remained a mystery. Some speculated that it had been stolen by a criminal mastermind, while others believed it had been lost forever.

The Painting’s Return

The breakthrough in the case came in late 1913, when Vincenzo Peruggia attempted to sell the Mona Lisa to an art dealer in Florence, Italy. Peruggia claimed that he had stolen the painting out of patriotic duty, believing that the Mona Lisa rightfully belonged in Italy, not France. The art dealer, suspicious of the offer, contacted the authorities, and Peruggia was arrested.

Upon its recovery, the Mona Lisa was returned to the Louvre, where it was greeted with great fanfare. The painting’s theft had only added to its mystique and allure, and visitors flocked to the museum in record numbers to see the now-infamous masterpiece.

Legacy of the Theft

The 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa remains one of the most significant events in art history. It highlighted the vulnerability of even the most famous works of art and led to increased security measures in museums worldwide. Today, the Mona Lisa is protected by bulletproof glass and is one of the most closely guarded paintings in the world.

Vincenzo Peruggia served a short prison sentence for the theft, and his actions have been the subject of much debate and intrigue. Some see him as a misguided patriot, while others view him as a cunning criminal. Regardless of his motives, Peruggia’s actions ensured that the Mona Lisa would forever be etched in the annals of history—not just as a masterpiece of Renaissance art, but as the subject of one of the most daring art heists of all time.

As we look back on this week in history, we remember the extraordinary tale of the Mona Lisa's disappearance—a story of art, intrigue, and the enduring power of a smile.