xi, 155 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (colour) ; 24 cm
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 151-152) and index.
Contents:
Introduction to the world's most famous artwork -- The most famous heist in history -- Inside the masterpiece -- when picasso stole the Mona Lisa -- From unimaginable to untraceable -- How Mona Lisa reached Florence and the hero on trial -- Did the Nazis steal the Mona Lisa? -- Myths and misconceptions. -- How do we know it's the real one? -- Why Lisa is smiling.
Summary:
"Leonardo da Vinci's portrait, called the Mona Lisa, is without doubt the world's most famous painting. It achieved its fame not only because it is a remarkable example of Renaissance portraiture, created by an acclaimed artistic and scientific genius, but because of its criminal history. The Mona Lisa (also called La Gioconda or La Joconde) was stolen on 21 August 1911 by an Italian, Vincenzo Peruggia. Peruggia was under the mistaken impression that the Mona Lisa had been stolen from Italy during the Napoleonic era, and he wished to take back for Italy one of his country's greatest treasures. His successful theft of the painting from the Louvre, the farcical manhunt that followed, and Peruggia's subsequent trial in Florence were highly publicized, sparking the attention of the international media, and catapulting an already admired painting into stratospheric heights of fame. This book reveals the art and criminal history of the Mona Lisa."-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.