Guillaume Apollinaire Arrested for Theft Suspicions
September 7th, 1911
September 7th, 1911

How Long Ago?
113 years, 6 months, 8 days ago
Location
Paris, France
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Pablo Picasso
- Guillaume Apollinaire
Links & References
Tags
Guillaume Apollinaire Arrested for Theft Suspicions
Guillaume Apollinaire, a renowned French poet, was arrested on suspicion of stealing the Mona Lisa from the Louvre museum. Following the painting's disappearance in August 1911, police investigated Apollinaire after he reportedly spoke of art theft in his circles. His close friend, Pablo Picasso, was also questioned, adding intrigue to the case. Apollinaire was held for several days before being released without charges, but the scandal heightened public interest in the stolen masterpiece.
Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911.
Apollinaire was arrested but later released.
Pablo Picasso was also questioned during the scandal.
The painting was recovered in 1913 in Italy.
What Happened?
In the summer of 1911, the art world was rocked when the Mona Lisa, one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings, vanished from the Louvre museum in Paris. The painting had been on display at the museum for many years and was considered one of the crowning jewels of European art. Suspicion quickly fell on a variety of individuals, including art painters and thieves, leading to an extensive investigation. Among those scrutinized was the noted French poet, Guillaume Apollinaire, known for his avant-garde works and connections within Parisian artistic circles.
Apollinaire's name came up during the investigation due to his fascination with art and a rumored involvement in art theft. Authorities arrested him, believing he might know more about the painting’s whereabouts. Ironically, Apollinaire was not involved in any theft. Co-incidentally, his friend, the famous painter Pablo Picasso, also found himself questioning the art theft. This unusual nexus of art and poetry captured public imagination as the police worked to solve the baffling crime, which included a trail of artistic leads, false accusations, and artistic communities in turmoil.
After several days of interrogation, Apollinaire was released without charges, an outcome that reinforced his notoriety as a writer yet did little to dampen the ongoing mystery surrounding the Mona Lisa's disappearance. The painting was eventually recovered in 1913 in Italy, and the case of the stolen Mona Lisa became a sensational tale that intertwines art, crime, and culture, marking one of the most memorable events in the history of art theft.
Why Does it Matter?
The arrest of Guillaume Apollinaire represents a fascinating intersection between literature, art, and crime in early 20th-century France. The Mona Lisa's theft not only captivated the public but also illuminated the cultural dynamics of the time, as prominent artists and intellectuals became entangled in the drama. This event highlighted the vulnerabilities of art institutions and spurred discussions about art theft and recovery that are still relevant today.
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