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The Black Arts: Theft of Antiquities

Many municipalities have no art theft investigation resources. As a result, underwriters, risk managers, and claims professionals must be vigilant.

By Anthony Roman | Updated on September 27, 2011

From the largest art theft in the world valued at $300 million at the Gardner Museum in Boston, to a handyman stealing the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, art and antiquities theft is a major crime industry. It is rated third in the hierarchy behind narcotics and weapons trafficking. Italy alone suffers 20,000 art thefts a year, despite a 300 strong dedicated police art theft unit.

Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Michelangelo and even the Grand Master, Leonardo da Vinci have had their timeless, coveted pieces stolen from exhibitions, private collections, galleries, and world renowned museums. Most recently, a magnificent Rembrandt was stolen from a private exhibition at a luxury brand hotel in California. The thief simply waited for the curator to turn his back, snatched the artwork, and left undetected. Whether displayed at modestly protected exhibitions or fortress-like museums, no class of artwork or antiquity has been spared.

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