I love a good art heist story
Monday, February 11, 2008
There's something sort of romantic and fanciful about the concept of stealing great works of art. Now, to be clear, I don't condone the act of taking that which is not yours to take. But whenever I hear a story of art thievery, it really catches my imagination. Perhaps it is the fact that stealing electronics just seems so OBVIOUS. Scratch off any serial numbers and it is tough to prove that you're moving stolen goods. It is easy to put a price value on a big screen tv or a computer. But fine art is something that is worth millions because of its uniqueness and brilliance. Stealing a one-of-a-kind Monet, Degas, Cezanne, and Van Gogh.... It is just so incredible.
Its not like there's a serial number. As mentioned in the article, these works will either be recovered very quickly or not for a very long time. And who is going to be able to enjoy them? Some rich person might acquire them for an obscene amount of money on the black market, but who can they brag to?
Perhaps I've watched The Thomas Crown Affair one too many times. Or perhaps I just like the idea that someone thinks that art is worth taking, even when the risk is so high.
Posted byL. at 1:50 PM
Labels: art
I have to agree that its nice that the art is worth taking and its valued so highly, but it really sucks that its not going to be available for viewing by a larger audience. Thieves suck. And whoever motivated the thieves sucks too. And I love the Thomas Crown affair.
Well, we might not know WHO motivated the thieves, but we know WHAT: Money.
Like I said, I'm not condoning it. I agree that "Thieves suck." But it just makes for such a great story...
You can't keep the Picasso, L. Even without issues of right and wrong, it doesn't match your kitchen. Better give it back...
-AB