Is it more important to appreciate great art than to own it? Two of Picasso's paintings were just stolen.?

Question

The Scream was stolen as well. The Mona Lisa disappeared. Who would buy these paintings, and who would they show them to?

August 13, 1911 someone did steal the Mona Lisa from the Louvre

Answer 1

I never really did understand this. Why is a piece of paper/cloth with paint on it, done by a now deceased, previously unemployed person, so highly regarded and valuable?
One of my term papers went something like this (I got the highest mark, for original thinking et al):
Girl before a Mirror - One day, in 1932, Mr. Picasso had just smoked a huge quantity of heroin. Instead of getting the munchies like most druggies, he got an urge to paint. While he made his way to his studio, he passed his wife in the bedroom grooming herself, and this gave the inspiration for his subject. The strange distortions in the view of the subject and her reflection are a direct result of the drugs. The mostly white, blue, and yellow colors used is indicative of the fact he had a good supply of these color paints, while he was rather stingy with the purple and dark green as these cans were nearly gone.

Answer 2

It seems that the purpose of the theft of really well known paintings and other art treasures, from museums and great houses, is to hold them for ransom or to use them as collateral for large drug deals. The really well know material is unsellable for "real money". And I'm sure that most of it is taken, by the really ignorant thief, under the assumption that it will be fenciable. I'm sure that there are a few of the "evil genius types" who simply wish to possess great works, and that some thefts are "done to order"at their bidding. I believe that those are, however in the minority, and are usually direct their attention at less well known works in poorly secured locations. I understand that Eastern Europe is a fertile Field for that kind of art theft.

The other kind of art theft usually involves the looting of archaeological sites where the art has not yet seen the light of day.

These two types of larceny are harder to detect and it is easier to display the art to admiring friends who are unlikely to question a sketchy provenance This near anonymous material is easier to sell as well.

Art lovers take heart. The international art police are hard at work. With the aid of the art and antique trades, the Internet, and international cooperation between these national origination's, they are making a small but significant dent in this trade. Occasionally these stories, like the Picasso matter will make the ordinary press and television.

Answer 3

The Mona Lisa has not disappeared. It's in the Louvre. Who would buy them? Rich, greedy, private collectors. Who would they show them to? No one.

Answer 4

Anyone stupid enough to steal a famous painting will be stupid enough to get caught. Luckily, most famous paintings are displayed in museums and other public places. That way everybody can appreciate them.