Greatest Art Heists in History

Rembrandt's Jacob de Gheyn III

Art is one of those items of value which criminals consider to be the most impressive to steal. Compared to cash and other valuables, art is one of the most highly prized and most difficult to steal for a number of reasons. For starters unique famous art is very well protected. So to be able to rob a painting from a gallery is most impressive. Getting into a vault-like gallery is one thing, but being able to successfully remove it in one piece is another often due to the sheer size, shape and awkwardness of the item being stolen. Another reason is that art is sought for not just monetary reasons. For some it is the history and the legacy of the image and its artist which is so vigorously desired, while for others it is the prestige of owning something which is wanted by so many others. This is why collectors have been known to commission art thieves to attempt a heist.

Here are some of the most famous art heists in history: