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historyFeb 1, 202625:47pending

The art heist that made the Mona Lisa famous

About this episode

It’s arguably the most famous painting in the world. But back in 1911, the Mona Lisa wasn’t an international icon. So what made the painting so famous it would attract millions of visitors to The Louvre every year? 

This is the unbelievable true story of an art heist - one of the 20th century's most audacious art thefts that would turn a masterpiece into a legend.

Art historian Mary McGillivray tells Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole) about one of art history’s most sensational crimes and its patriotic perpetrator.

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Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] This episode was first published in April 2025. 

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The art heist that made the Mona Lisa famous

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