Art theft robs us all: The Louvre heist

In a normal world, it would go without saying that theft is bad. But today, with the insane “reimagine justice” movements, I realize we can’t take anything for granted.

But museum thefts have always struck me as particularly pernicious. Well-known art works and priceless objects are, by their very nature, impossible to resell. They are stolen on commission, to be admired by one individual, instead of enjoyed by millions at a public museum.

Almost 9 million people visit Paris’ Louvre Museum each year. And the spectacular hall that houses the Napoleonic jewels is a popular attraction within that spectacular collection.

But this past weekend, thieves broke into the Louvre – in broad daylight and during operating hours –  and carried out a daring art heist of many of these priceless objects from the Napoleonic collection.

Investigations are ongoing, but the heist itself appears to have been remarkably efficient. An exact monetary estimate of the stolen objects has not yet been provided, but initial reports note that the loss was “priceless” since it also serves as an integral part of French history.

I snapped these photos last January, when I spent an entire day at the Louvre. Although I have been many time previously to this spectacular museum, I had an entire museum day on my own – and hence, I was committed to spending as much time as I could exploring this museum – wearing myself out by squeezing in as much as could be seen in a single day. (Turns out, it was a lot!)

The crown below – owned by Empress Eugenie (wife of Napoleon III) was my favorite. I love emeralds, and this mix of emeralds and diamonds was stunning. Apparently, the thieves dropped this tiara during their escape, seriously damaging it … but at least it has been retrieved.

It is heartbreaking to think that – thanks to this jewel heist – neither I nor the millions of museum visitors who descend on Paris’ most famous museum each year will be able to admire this slice of French history.

Like everyone, I am hopeful that authorities will be able to retrieve these precious jewels.

Art displayed in museums brings joy to millions of visitors. Art stolen on commission stokes the egos of a select few, while subtracting a country of its history and heritage.