Problem
Theft of works of art
Other Names:
Stolen artworksLooting of works of art
Art-napping
Nature:
Art thefts are increasing. Apart from representing a menace to the cultural heritage, it makes added demands on local and international law enforcement.
Incidence:
In 1989 some 5,000 works of art were reported stolen, representing only a small fraction of the total. Many smaller museums do not report thefts, whether because the theft is not discovered or because they have inadequate information to prove that it has occurred. It is estimated that the annual value of stolen art is more than $5 billion. In Italy, for example, an average of 16 works were stolen every day in 1971 from museums, churches and galleries, for a total of 7,560. In 1987, 9,417 art works were stolen in Italy. In France 440 pictures were reported stolen in 1969, 1,500 in 1970 and 3,000 in 1971. In 1983, 400 works were listed stolen in one month. In 1993 in Stockholm, a single operation resulted in theft valued at £40 million.
Broader Problems:
TheftLoss of cultural heritageMisappropriation of cultural property Narrower Problems:
Statue thieves Related Problems:
Art forgeryArt vandalismAvoidance of copyrightIllicit export of works of artUnethical practices in the artsArchaeological and anthropological looting Aggravates:
Dispersal of collectionsDismembered works of artLack of security for art loans to museums Subject(s):
Recreation → ArtsSocietal Problems → Crime
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST