Art theft is a serious crime that unfortunately occurs all too often. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 most famous drawings that have been stolen over the years.
From iconic works by famous artists like Vincent van Gogh and Salvador Dali, to lesser known but still valuable drawings, these artworks have all been the subject of high-profile theft cases.
Top 10 Drawings That Got Stolen
1. “The Scream” by Edvard Munch:
This iconic drawing was stolen from the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway in 2004. It was later recovered in 2006, but the thieves were never caught.
2. “The Lady with the Unicorn” by Raphael:
This drawing, also known as “The Small Cowper Madonna,” was stolen from the National Gallery in London in 1972. It was recovered two years later, but the thief was never caught.
3. “The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dali:
This surrealist drawing was stolen from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1994. It was recovered in 2005, but the thief was never caught.
4. “The Dream” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec:
This famous drawing was stolen from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris in 2010. It was later recovered in 2011, and the thief was arrested.
5. “The Madonna and Child” by Giovanni Bellini:
This drawing was stolen from the National Gallery in London in 1981. It was later recovered, but the thief was never caught.
6. “The Thinker” by Auguste Rodin:
This iconic drawing was stolen from the Musée Rodin in Paris in 2010. It was later recovered, but the thief was never caught.
7. “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai:
This famous drawing was stolen from the British Museum in London in 1986. It was later recovered, but the thief was never caught.
8. “The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh:
This famous drawing was stolen from the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam in 1991. It was later recovered, but the thief was never caught.
9. “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli:
This iconic drawing was stolen from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy in 1997. It was later recovered, but the thief was never caught.
10. “The Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci:
This famous drawing is perhaps the most famous of all stolen artworks. It was stolen from the Louvre in Paris in 1911 and was not recovered until 1913. The thief, Vincenzo Peruggia, was caught and sentenced to prison.
Bottom Line:
These are just a few examples of the many famous drawings that have been stolen over the years. Art theft is a serious crime that not only results in the loss of valuable works of art, but also robs the world of the cultural and artistic heritage they represent.
It’s important for museums and galleries to take the necessary precautions to protect their collections, and for art collectors to be diligent in verifying the provenance of the works they acquire. Together, we can work to prevent the theft of these invaluable pieces of human history and culture.
