Art Theft
Sadly, this comic is based on real life. A Picasso, a Matisse, A Modigliani, and a couple other priceless paintings were stolen from the Musee Moderne in Paris recently. I felt a deep sadness in the art world… as if a million voices suddenly cried out, and then there was silence.
Ryan’s such a Philistine when it comes to art, methinks. And I bet he’d be singing a different tune if, for example, someone stole exhibits from the National Steinbeck Center…
Brig: I had a nose around on Wikipedia to see if they had any information about the incident, and just look what the article on art theft presently begins with: “Art theft is the theft of art.” My goodness, it’s a good thing there’s Wikipedia, because otherwise, I’d never have known what art theft was…
But I think this is the best sentiment regarding the matter, from Pierre Cornette de Saint-Cyr, president of the neighbouring Tokyo Palace: “These five paintings are un-sellable, so thieves, sirs, you are imbeciles, now return them.”
Unfortunately, contrary to M. Cornette de Saint-Cyr’s statement, they are relatively easy to “sell” – 1) ransom them back to the museum’s insurance company, 2) offer them through the existing black market, the amount of unrecovered stolen art points out the vitality of this means of sale.
Ryan’s lack of appreciation for the loss is likely due to the impossibility of physically stealing published literary work. While individual and special copies can be stolen, the work itself remains available. (NOTE: this does not relate to the usual idea of literary theft, presenting work by someone else as one’s own.)
I agree with Beetle…there are collectors out there who will pay a fortune for these stolen items just to know they have them. Even if they do not show them to anyone.
P.s. Liked the Star Wars reference Brig!
BB: Hmm. You make two very good points… Mind you, I still like Pierre’s “you are imbeciles” comment, no matter how inaccurate 🙂
The art theft (thanks, Wikipedia) should never have happened. The Museum’s anti-thief device was broken… and parts were on order to be fixed. It was an inside job! Somebody who knew the alarm was disabled could just climb in thru a window and help themselves! Sigh… here’s an article with a few pics… http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/may/20/picasso-matisse-stolen-paris-museum
And um, as far as selling the stolen goods… there’s this thing called private collections… It’ll wind up in some MEGA rich guy’s palace or mansion in the Middle East or China. Sigh.
Hi Audra! Glad you liked the SW blurb… hee hee.
that’s so sad. but nice star wars reference 😀 hope they find them so you can see them, though I kinda doubt they;ll find them that fast.
Oh man, that bites. Hard. This makes me a bit sad D:, I’d like to give whoever stole these a good kick in the tush.
On a lighter note: Ironically, in math class today our assignment was to plan a trip to whatever destination we chose, and as long as we put down all the prices and info and conversion rates, we could do whatever we want. I picked Paris. In my fantasyland: Roundtrip, first class, fully furnished studio apartment in the Champs-Elysees for 26 days. Not to mention $3500 allotted for food and necessities and $5550. I think that’s the most fun I’ve ever had doing math work :D!
P.S. Props for the paper doll yesterday, very cool.
$5550 for fun shopping that should say. D’oh ^^;
Flo: The funny thing is that the last time I was in Paris, I had the opportunity to see those paintings, but chose to visit other museums on my museum pass. This time around, THAT particular museum was on the list of places to see. Sigh.
Meggie: That’d be a great trip… sounds like you had fun with that… I think Randie’s fantasy is quite similar… she might want to be over near St. Germain-des-Pres… or Montmartre. On this coming trip, I will be in the Latin Quarter right by a bande dessinee (comics) store.
Brig: You’re going to be by a BD store? Quelle surprise… 😉
You know, you could still visit that museum and offer to do painting-sized Squid Row comics to hang while the stolen items are found… Stop giving me that look, people! 😛
I do caregiving for a very old family friend, a great lady with a great history. Born with cerebral palsy, she ran away from home in her teens and hitchhiked all over Europe. She hobnobbed with the art and music community, including Picasso. She later earned several degrees, and she speaks most of the European languages. She is fiercely independent to this day, and only reluctantly accepts help with her husband, who has Parkinson’s. I’m sure there is more to her story, especially about Picasso, but when I ask, she just gives me this knowing look, like “You couldn’t even begin to guess…”
I just saw a Biography on Picasso… and even though I love his art, I dislike him even MORE having seen the program. I hope that your lady pal wasn’t victim of any of Picasso’s manipulation! But, what an interesting character in the artworld! I would LOVE to hear some of her stories!
I would bet even money she got the better end of the deal with him. People always underestimate her because of her handicap, and then she surprises with incredible intelligence and strength of will. That “knowing look” speaks volumes.
Kona: Sounds like that amazing friend of yours needs a chronicler – her reminiscences would make an incredible book, if not a movie… but I suspect that she wouldn’t spill the beans.
I am going to attempt to be her confidant, but she is very secretive.