Art heists: the rise of a controversial crime genre
The 1970s saw a surge in art thefts, but why?
The acclaimed film "The Mastermind" starring Josh O'Connor delves into the world of art robbery, inspired by real-life heists that shook the art world during a decade of upheaval.
In 1972, a daring robbery took place at the Worcester Art Museum, where two men stole paintings worth millions, including works by renowned artists like Gauguin and Picasso. This incident sparked a wave of art heists, with one of the most famous being the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft in Boston, which remains unsolved to this day.
But what led to this sudden explosion of art thefts in the 1970s?
The Art Market Boom and a Shift in Perception
According to art historian Tom Flynn, the rise in art heists coincided with the booming art market of the 1970s. The launch of "Antiques Roadshow" in 1977, a popular TV show where experts appraised art pieces, marked a cultural shift. People began to view art as a form of currency, akin to money.
At the same time, museums were facing funding crises and cutbacks in security, especially during a period of high inflation. Smaller thefts, like the disappearance of Rembrandts from Dulwich Picture Gallery, revealed the vulnerabilities of museum security.
The Allure of the Art Robber
The 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of a fictional archetype: the lovable rogue art robber. Amid the unrest of the Vietnam War and the Nixon administration, films like "Topkapi" and "How to Steal a Million" romanticized these characters, tapping into the anti-authority sentiment of the time.
Historical author Susan Ronald suggests that the appeal of art robbers lies in their ability to outsmart institutions. "It's an institution, and there's something quite daring about it," she explains. This perception, however, has led to misconceptions, with some viewing art heists as victimless crimes.
Challenging Stereotypes in "The Mastermind"
"The Mastermind" aims to challenge these entrenched ideas. Director Kelly Reichardt presents a nuanced portrayal of the art robber, JB Mooney, played by Josh O'Connor. Through the eyes of JB's long-suffering wife, Terri (Alana Haim), and unimpressed fellow graduate, Maude (Gaby Hoffman), we see a different side to these criminals.
Reichardt subverts the heartthrob image often associated with art robbers, revealing their true nature as jerks and misogynists. "Just the idea of being able to be the outlaw is a privilege," she says, "but in the end, you root for them."
The Evolution of Art Theft and Museum Security
Today, public museum and gallery robberies are less frequent, as criminals now understand the non-fungible nature of these objects. However, recent funding cuts by the US government could threaten museum security once again, with heritage consultant Vernon Rapley warning that weather and climate change pose greater risks to artworks than criminals.
"The Mastermind" is a thought-provoking film that sheds light on the complex world of art crime. It raises questions about the glamorization of art theft and the impact of cultural shifts on the perception of art as a commodity.
And this is the part most people miss: the human cost of these heists and the impact on those who have to deal with the aftermath. It's a fascinating exploration of a controversial crime genre, and one that's definitely worth a watch.
What are your thoughts? Do you think art heists are glamorized in popular culture? Let's discuss in the comments!
