"A must-read for anyone fascinated by the world of stolen art and the captivating mysteries that surround it." – Artnet

"A seminal and ground-breaking study, Art Heist is essential reading for anyone curious about the intersection of art, crime, and history" – Midwest Book Review


An intriguing investigation into over 50 elusive artworks that were stolen and never recovered.

Mona Lisa, Starry Night, Birth of Venus. People travel for hundreds of miles to observe these breathtaking paintings with their own eyes. Now discover the artworks that nobody can ever see… and the fascinating stories behind their disappearance.

In this collection of daring heist stories, read about:

• Michelangelo’s Mask of a Faun
• Caravaggio’s Nativity
• Rembrandt’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
• Cézanne’s View of Auvers-sur-Oise
• Van Gogh’sThe Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring

With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, this book uncovers the mysteries surrounding the thefts of these valuable artworks and many more.

Each fated work will be discussed to reveal why it, and the artist who made it, was significant. Gain a deeper appreciation for these artists, and the lasting impact they've had on the art world.

This book also answers key questions about each missing piece, including:

• Why and how was it stolen?
• What attempts have been made to recover it?
• Leads, red herrings, and suspects.

Whether you're passionate about art or drawn to the thrill of solving mysteries, this book offers a compelling narrative that will keep you engaged from cover to cover. It's a must-read for anyone curious about the intersection of art, crime, and history.

Susie Hodge is a UK author who has written widely on art, art history and art techniques. She has published over 100 books, including The Short Story of Art, Why Your Five Year Old Could Not Have Done That: Modern Art Explained and Modern Art Explained.

SECTION 1 Lost 
CHAPTER 1 Nazi Plunder
CHAPTER 2 The Ghent Altarpiece
CHAPTER 3 The Mask of a Faun
CHAPTER 4 Lost Caravaggio
CHAPTER 5 Labour Day Looting
CHAPTER 6 Friends Disunited
CHAPTER 7 The Height of Heists
CHAPTER 8 Lost Landscape
CHAPTER 9 A Heist with a Hoist
CHAPTER 10 Smash and Grab
CHAPTER 11 Five Art Giants
CHAPTER 12 Egyptian Mystery 
CHAPTER 13 Chinese Art Heists
CHAPTER 14 Bronze Burglary 
CHAPTER 15 Caught But Still Lost
CHAPTER 16 Andy Warhol Prints 
CHAPTER 17 Other Heists
SECTION 2 Found
CHAPTER 18 Art Icon
CHAPTER 19 Scream!
CHAPTER 20 Guns and a Boat
CHAPTER 21 Van Gogh I 
CHAPTER 22 Left in the Lavatory 
CHAPTER 23 Switzerland to Serbia
CHAPTER 24 Van Gogh II
Conclusion 
Index 
Picture credits