On the quiet morning of August 21, 1911, an event unfolded in Paris that startled the global art community and public alike. The renowned masterpiece, Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, was stolen from the Louvre Museum. The grand larceny sent significant ripples across the world and remains one of the most brazen art thefts in history.

Main Event: The Theft of Mona Lisa

On that fateful Monday, when the Louvre was closed to the public for maintenance, a man dressed in a white smock, similar to the museum’s staff, slipped inside unnoticed. The thief removed the Mona Lisa from the wall, and in the secluded confines of a staircase, successfully detached the painting from its protective case and frame.

Upon discovery of the theft the following day, the Louvre closed for a week to assist the investigation. The incident generated extensive media publicity, making the Mona Lisa arguably the most famous painting in the world. Despite intensive investigations, the whereabouts of the Mona Lisa remained unknown for two years.

The Resolution: Recovery and Aftermath

The story reached its climax when the thief, an Italian handyman named Vincenzo Peruggia, attempted to sell the masterpiece to an art dealer in Italy. Peruggia, who had worked at the Louvre and believed the painting belonged in Italy, was arrested. After a brief exhibit in Italy, the Mona Lisa was returned to the Louvre in January 1914, where she resides to this day.

Interesting Facts Suitable for Kids:

1. The Mona Lisa is small! It measures only 30 by 21 inches.
2. Leonardo da Vinci took the painting with him wherever he went.
3. It took more than two years to find the Mona Lisa after it was stolen.
4. The man who stole it wanted to return it to Italy because he thought it had been stolen by France.

Educational Activities for Kids:

1. Draw or paint your own version of the Mona Lisa.
2. Create a comic strip or story about the Mona Lisa theft.
3. Research more about Leonardo da Vinci and make a fact file or presentation.

Conclusion:

The theft of the Mona Lisa on August 21, 1911, is not just a tale of an audacious art heist; it opens a window to the value of art and national heritage. The global concern and intrigue following the theft highlight the emotional and cultural significance we attach to art. As we remember this event, let’s appreciate the unique influence of art and heritage on societies and their histories.

References:

1. Noah Charney, The Thefts of the Mona Lisa: On Stealing the World’s Most Famous Painting, ARCA Publications, 2011.
2. R. A. Scotti, Vanished Smile: The Mysterious Theft of the Mona Lisa, Random House, 2010.
3. Dorothy Hoobler, Thomas Hoobler, The Crimes of Paris: A True Story of Murder, Theft, and Detection, Little, Brown and Co, 2009.

Note: The date August 21 reflects the start of the event, which is the day the painting was stolen. The event encompasses the theft and its aftermath, spanning over two years, until its return to the Louvre in 1914.