The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession Summary | Michael Finkel

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We offer you a deeper guide, summaries, and analysis of Michael Finkel's book "The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession." In this bestselling book, the investigative journalist Michael Finkel unravels the incredible true crime story of Breitwieser, the most prolific art thief in history, across museums in Europe. Breitwieser also steals the author's laptop.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Snap Read
• Release date: Apr 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9791223028018

Book preview

The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession

Summary

Michael Finkel

Snap Read

Table of Contents

Copyright

Overview

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Afterword

Quotes from the book

Copyright

This book is protected by copyright law. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Copyright © 2024 by Snap Read.

All Rights Reserved.

Overview 

Michael Finkel's 2022 narrative nonfiction book, The Art Thief, transcends the genre of true crime by offering a nuanced exploration of Stéphane Breitwieser, one of history's most prolific art thieves.

Breitwieser's criminal career, spanning 1994 to 2002, resulted in the theft of artwork valued at an estimated $2 billion from European museums, galleries, and churches. However, unlike many art thieves motivated by financial gain, Breitwieser's actions stemmed from a peculiar obsession—a desire to immerse himself in beauty.

Introduction

The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel is a captivating narrative that delves into the life of Stéphane Breitwieser, one of the most prolific art thieves in history. Finkel, a renowned journalist, meticulously researched and interviewed Breitwieser to uncover the compelling story behind his audacious crimes and the motivations that drove him.

This gripping true crime account follows Breitwieser's journey from a young man with a passion for art to a notorious thief who stole hundreds of valuable artworks from museums across Europe. Finkel explores the complex relationships between Breitwieser, his girlfriend Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, and his mother, Mireille Stengel, who played crucial roles in his life and crimes.

The Art Thief is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and those fascinated by the psychology of obsession. Finkel's engaging writing style and in-depth analysis of Breitwieser's motivations make this book a standout in the genre. Through this work, Finkel sheds light on the world of art theft, the impact of Breitwieser's crimes on the art community, and the enduring question of what drives individuals to commit such audacious acts in the name of their passions.

Chapter 1

The year is 1997. A young couple, Stéphane Breitwieser and Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, stroll through the Rubens House in Belgium. Dressed to impress in thrifted designer wear, they appear like any other museum-goers. But beneath the surface lurks a secret plan.

Breitwieser, with a keen eye, scans the security measures throughout the museum. His true objective isn't a famous painting by Rubens but a captivating ivory sculpture, Adam and Eve, crafted by German artist Georg Petel and once owned by the renowned Flemish painter. Obsessed with the piece, Breitwieser hatches a daring scheme. 

While Anne-Catherine keeps watch by the entrance, Breitwieser, a former museum security guard himself, puts his knowledge to work. He leaps over a security barrier to reach the display case housing the coveted sculpture. Using a simple Swiss Army knife and screwdriver, he pries it open under the pressure of time. Anne-Catherine's well-timed coughs act as a warning system, allowing Breitwieser to retreat behind the barrier whenever museum patrons approach. Despite the risk of being caught, the distracted tourists seem oblivious to the unfolding drama. Finally, with a surge of adrenaline, Breitwieser grabs the sculpture, stuffs it into his pants, and