Today In History, 1911: The Mona Lisa Is Stolen from the Louvre: Let's go over some history - Leonardo Da Vinci began painting the Mona Lisa in 1503. The painting was commissioned by Francesco Del Giocondo. The subject of the painting is his wife, Lisa.

The Mona Lisa was Da Vinci's favorite painting. He continued to add to it for the remainder of his life. When Da Vinci died in 1519 the paining still sat in his studio in France. It was then purchased by King Francis I of France. Eventually it ended up in the Louvre in 1797

Believe it or not the Mona Lisa was not all that famous before it was stolen. It was really just another masterpiece, among many. It wasn't even in its own gallery. It was displayed next to many other paintings. nothing special. So how was it stolen, and by whom? Keep reading

On the night of August 20, 1911 an Italian man named Vincenzo Perrugia and his 2 brothers- Michele and Lancelotti snuck into the Louvre. Next morning the 3 dressed in workman smocks took the painting out of the frame, wrapped it in cloth and stuffed it in his shirt and walked out

The painting was so insignificant that the theft wouldn't even be noticed for another 26 hours. No one even noticed. It wasn't even one of the more visited works of art in the museum.

As it turned out Perrugia used to work at the museum. At one time he was tasked with putting a glass protector over some artworks, including the Mona Lisa. So he knew exactly how to take it out.

When the theft was discovered the media had a field day. Essentially overnight the Mona Lisa became the most famous painting in the world. The police arrested a few suspects including a rising artist named Pablo Picasso - but was soon released. .

A little over 2 years later Perrugia took the painting to Italy and tried to sell it. The buyer called the police and Perrugia was arrested. Incredibly he only served 8 months in prison, and later served in the Italian army during World War I.

When the Mona Lisa was found it went on tour around Italy and France. Millions came to see it.