How to Steal a Masterpiece

Art theft is the stealing of paintings, sculptures, or other forms of visual art from galleries, museums or other public and private locations, and have been common throughout art history.

From centuries-old archaeological objects to contemporary masterworks, art heists have involved a range of shadowy figures, from amateurs to security experts to possibly even organized crime syndicates. In some cases, the works have been recovered, while other heists have ended with the works being lost permanently.

Enter the underworld of stolen art as we examine the little known stories of some of history’s greatest art heists. 

This lecture will review some of the most significant art theft in the last century and a half, while also questioning and discussing how the legitimate art market has managed to pique the interest of so many criminals. 

Mallory Mortillaro studied at Drew University and  is an art historian and educator.  She has ten years of teaching experience, and has worked on various art research projects for museums and organizations in the New York metropolitan area.  

This lecture does not need registration and is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.