Missing Masterpieces.

Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens, 1904, Henri Matisse --- In February 2006 at the Chacara do Ceu Museum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil security was forced to turn of the surveillance cameras. Using the cover of carnival celebrations four armed men made off with paintings by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Claude Monet during the robbery. The value of Luxembourg Gardens isnÍt estimated.

Madonna with the Yardwinder

Madonna with the Yarnwinder, 1501, Leonardo da Vinci  --- Disguised as tourists two men assaulted a tour guide and made off with the painting from Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries, Scotland, in 2003. Its current value is estimated at $65 million.

Pool in the Harem

Pool in the Harem, 1876, Jean-Leon Gerome  --- Displayed in the French wing of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia it was hanging near Manet, Picasso, Matisse, Monet and other priceless masterpieces. For some reason the thieves chose this particular work valued at only $1 million in 2001.

Beach at Pourville

Beach in Pourville, 1882, Claude Monet (Picture #4 shown) --- September 2000 the Polish National Museum was startled to realize that what they thought was the Monet painting was actually a forgery done on cardboard. Thieves had cut the original out and replaced it. The exact date of the crime is not known. It is valued at $7 million.

Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence

Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence, 1608, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio --- Two thieves entered the Oratory of the Church of San Lorenzo, Palmero, Italy in 1969 and cut this painting from its frame. At nearly 9 feet by 7 feet it is one of the largest paintings ever taken. It was suspected stolen by the Sicilian Mafia. Current value of the artwork is $20 million.

Posted in: Art