The theft of the Mona Lisa (1911): a mystery that fascinated the world

On August 21, 1911 , the Louvre was the scene of an event that would forever mark the history of art: the theft of the Mona Lisa . This work by Leonardo da Vinci, already precious at the time, mysteriously disappeared from the museum. It was Vincenzo Peruggia , an Italian worker who worked at the Louvre, who stole it, thinking that it was to return to Italy, its country of origin.

For two years, the Mona Lisa was hidden in a modest room in Italy, under a bed. The daring theft sent shockwaves around the world. Newspapers of the time covered the case avidly, which helped increase the painting's popularity, transforming it from a beloved masterpiece to a global cultural icon. Even figures such as Guillaume Apollinaire and Pablo Picasso were briefly suspected, adding to the mystery surrounding the case.

It was in 1913 that Peruggia attempted to sell the painting to an Italian antique dealer, which led to its capture. The Mona Lisa then returned triumphantly to the Louvre, and this incident reinforced its status as a must-see work.

Today, the Mona Lisa , protected by bulletproof glass, attracts millions of visitors each year, all fascinated by her enigmatic smile and her incredible story. This spectacular theft has largely contributed to making this portrait one of the most famous in the world.

To learn more about this work and other fascinating stories from the Louvre, explore our online art gallery , where you will discover contemporary creations inspired by historical and artistic heritage.

The flight:

• On August 21, 1911 , a Louvre employee named Vincenzo Peruggia , of Italian origin, stole the Mona Lisa.
• Peruggia worked at the museum and knew the place well. He hid in a room, waited for the museum to close, then took down the painting.
• He hid it under his coat and left the museum without arousing suspicion.

The mobile:

• Peruggia wanted to return the painting to Italy, as he believed it had been illegally taken by Napoleon and should be returned to its country of origin.
• However, this was not the case: Leonardo da Vinci had brought the Mona Lisa to France and sold it to Francis I in the early 16th century.

Discovery and arrest:

• For more than two years , the Mona Lisa remained hidden in Peruggia's apartment in Paris.
• In 1913 Peruggia tried to sell it to an art dealer in Florence, who alerted the authorities.
• The painting was recovered and returned to the Louvre in January 1914.
• Peruggia was arrested, but he became a hero to some Italians who saw his gesture as patriotic. He was eventually sentenced to one year and fifteen days in prison.

Consequences :

• This theft greatly increased the Mona Lisa's fame, making it one of the most famous works of art in the world.
• Even today, this theft remains one of the most fascinating and publicized episodes in the history of art.

The theft has given rise to many theories, legends and speculations about Peruggia's motivations, adding to the mystique surrounding this iconic work.