Historical Events tagged with "painting"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Arts & Culture

Rubens' 'Massacre of the Innocents' Auctioned

July 10th, 2002 22 years ago

Peter Paul Rubens' powerful painting, 'The Massacre of the Innocents,' was sold at a Sotheby's auction for an astounding £49.5 million (US$76.2 million) to Lord Thomson. This remarkable sale highlighted the ongoing interest in masterworks by the old masters and reflected the growing market for high-value art pieces. The painting depicts a tragic biblical scene and has long been celebrated for its dramatic expression and intricate detail. The auction attracted considerable attention from collectors and art enthusiasts alike, showcasing the continuing value of Renaissance artworks in the modern era.

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Arts & Culture

Stolen Caravaggio Painting Shocks Palermo

October 17th, 1969 55 years ago

The Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence, a significant painting by Caravaggio, was stolen from the Oratory of Saint Lawrence in Palermo. The theft was particularly alarming due to the painting’s cultural importance and the methodical nature of the crime. It was hidden during renovations, making it an easy target for thieves. The art world reacted with horror as the work exemplified Baroque art's emotional depth and masterful use of light.

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Arts & Culture

Mona Lisa Recovered in Florence

December 11th, 1913 111 years ago

Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting, the Mona Lisa, was recovered over two years after being stolen from the Louvre in Paris. The notorious thief, Vincenzo Peruggia, who had hidden the painting in his apartment in Florence, was arrested shortly after the painting was found. The event attracted significant attention due to the high profile of the artwork and the boldness of its theft.

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Crime & Law

The Mona Lisa Theft by Vincenzo Peruggia

August 21st, 1911 113 years ago

Vincenzo Peruggia, a former Louvre employee, stole the famous painting, the Mona Lisa, from the Musée du Louvre in Paris. He executed the theft by hiding the artwork under his clothing, leaving the museum on a Monday when it was closed for maintenance. Peruggia believed the painting should be returned to Italy, claiming it was wrongfully taken by Napoleon. This audacious act would lead to one of the most famous art thefts in history.

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Arts & Culture

Unveiling of Duccio's Maestà in Siena Cathedral

June 9th, 1311 713 years ago

The monumental altarpiece known as Duccio's Maestà was unveiled and installed in the Siena Cathedral. Commissioned by the Opera del Duomo, the artwork was created by the Sienese artist Duccio di Buoninsegna. This significant piece is revered for its intricate composition and emotional depth, reflecting the spiritual intensity of the period. The unveiling attracted numerous spectators, marking a notable event in the artistic landscape of early Italian Renaissance, highlighting Siena's cultural prominence.

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