How the Mona Lisa Became Famous After Being Stolen: Explore 5 “Stolen Masterpieces” in Europe

By Rita

Art heists have been all too common throughout history, with some researchers even noting that art theft ranks as the second most serious crime after drug trafficking and human trafficking. In today’s world of high-tech security, the thefts and recoveries of these masterpieces read like folklore—suspenseful and thrilling tales that have been turned into books and films. Where can you see these stolen-and-recovered artworks? It’s an absolute must-see for travelers on a “European art museum tour”!

Where can you see stolen masterpieces? Check out Sherman Travel’samazing roundup:

1. The Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), by the van Eyck brothers

▲A painting even Hitler wanted (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Painted in 1432, this altarpiece has long been cherished by Germans, especially soldiers. Comprising 20 painted panels on different themes, two of them were stolen when German forces captured the area during World War I; the second theft occurred in 1942, allegedly commissioned by Hitler himself, who wanted to hang the painting in Neuschwanstein Castle. The Mystic Lamb was eventually recovered, but another panel, The Just Judges, remains missing to this day.
Where to see it: St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium, the painting’s home

2. Portrait of Jacob de Gheyn III, by Rembrandt

▲The world’s most frequently stolen painting, Portrait of Jacob de Gheyn III (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
This portrait holds the dubious record of being stolen four times—more than any other artwork—leading to its nickname “Takeaway Rembrandt” because it kept getting stolen shortly after being recovered. Where to see it: Dulwich Picture Gallery in London
Where to see: Dulwich Picture Gallery in London

3. The Scream, by Edvard Munch

▲Poor security in Oslo once led to the theft of The Scream (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Perhaps the second most iconic portrait in art history after the Mona Lisa, The Scream—with its twisted skull, elongated chin, and wide eyes—has inspired horror films and even sparked a trend in 1990s Halloween costumes. This masterpiece has been a frequent target for thieves; its most recent theft occurred in 2004, when the Norwegian government’s poor art preservation policies left the $1.5 billion painting without proper care or restoration for two years.
Where to see it: The Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway

4. Boy with a Red Vest, by Paul Cézanne

▲Boy with a Red Vest is worth a staggering $300 million (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
Though not as widely known as others, this painting is valued at $3 billion—why? Because in 2008, it was stolen along with works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas, with the entire haul worth around NT$9 billion.
Where to see it: The E.G. Bührle Collection in Zurich, Switzerland

5. Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci

▲The Mona Lisa before it was stolen (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Would the Mona Lisa be as famous today if it hadn’t been stolen? Before its theft, it was relatively unknown outside the art world. But after an employee of the Louvre, Vincenzo Peruggia (an Italian himself), stole it during off-hours, it shot to global fame. The museum shut down for an entire week following the theft, and the masterpiece wasn’t recovered for two years.
Where to see it: The Louvre in Paris—now behind ultra-thick bulletproof glass and surrounded by crowds of tourists.