53 Results in the "True Crime" category
-
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel tells the true story of Stéphane Breitwieser, a notorious art thief who stole hundreds of priceless pieces across Europe. The book delves into his obsession with art, the personal costs of his crimes, and the fine line between passion and crime.-
810 • Jan 23, '25
-
4.0 K • Jan 23, '25
-
4.8 K • Jan 23, '25
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 31
Chapter 31 of The Art Thief takes a deep dive into the aftermath of Breitwieser’s arrest, focusing primarily on the reactions of his mother, Stengel, and the drastic measures she takes regarding the stolen artworks. The chapter begins in November 2001 when Stengel, after discovering the full extent of her son’s criminal activities, reacts in a chaotic and emotional way. During this period, Anne-Catherine, who was present during Breitwieser’s arrest at the Wagner Museum, tries to distance herself from…-
127.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 33
Chapter 33 of The Art Thief provides a vivid depiction of the unfolding courtroom drama surrounding the trial of Stéphane Breitwieser, the infamous art thief. The proceedings are centered on the reality that, while Breitwieser’s guilt is undeniably established—due to his confession—the defense team is determined to argue for his release after he has already served 444 days in jail. His defense attorney asserts that the thefts committed by Breitwieser were not malicious in intent but instead stemmed…-
127.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 35
In Chapter 35 of The Art Thief, the narrative delves into the intricate and emotionally charged testimony given by Stengel, the mother of the accused, Breitwieser, during his trial in France. From the outset, Stengel’s statements are contradictory, as she initially denies having stored any stolen artwork in her attic, which conflicts with earlier admissions. Under pressure from the prosecutor, she retracts some of her prior confessions, claiming they were made under duress. She asserts that she never…-
127.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 34
In Chapter 34 of The Art Thief, the narrative shifts to the legal aftermath of Stéphane Breitwieser’s extensive art thefts. The story starts with the legal process, which is completed quickly, with a decision being reached in just two and a half hours. The court primarily focuses on the method used for theft rather than the specific items that were stolen. Despite the high value of the stolen artwork, Breitwieser’s crime is categorized as simple theft, as no violence was involved. This leads to a…-
127.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 36
In Chapter 36 of The Art Thief, Anne-Catherine looks back on the tumultuous relationship she had with Breitwieser, a relationship that, over time, has become a source of deep regret. Her lawyer, Eric Braun, describes Breitwieser as an undeniable tragedy in her life, but Anne-Catherine is determined to move on from the past. She has settled into a quieter, more peaceful life in a small village near Mulhouse, where she managed to buy a modest apartment for about $100,000. With a twenty-two-year mortgage, she…-
127.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 38
In Chapter 38 of The Art Thief, the narrative takes a deep dive into the troubled life of Stéphane Breitwieser, now 44 years old, following his final prison sentence. Despite being freed, his life remains deeply entangled in the consequences of his past. With a criminal record that looms large and a bank account holding only five euros, Breitwieser finds himself trapped in financial instability. His mother provides the necessary support, covering his rent and sometimes offering food, while Stengel, his…-
127.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 37
In Chapter 37 of The Art Thief, we dive deep into the emotional complexities faced by Anne-Catherine and Stéphane Breitwieser, whose relationship is marred by betrayal, disappointment, and personal turmoil. Anne-Catherine, speaking to Swiss art detective Von der Mühll, opens up about her lingering sense of betrayal. She reflects on her relationship with Breitwieser, admitting that she feels he treated her as nothing more than an object, a part of his journey that he discarded when no longer necessary.…-
127.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
A Note on the Reporting
In the section titled "A Note on the Reporting" from The Art Thief, the author recounts their extensive journey into the life of Stéphane Breitwieser, one of the most prolific art thieves in modern history. This journey began in 2012 when the author first reached out to Breitwieser with a simple letter asking for an interview. At the time, Breitwieser had distanced himself from media engagements, particularly with American journalists, and had not spoken publicly for several years. The author was left in…-
127.1 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Illustrations
Illustrations of stolen artworks are meticulously cataloged in the chapter, offering readers an insightful exploration into the history and implications of art theft. The detailed descriptions of each piece provide not only the name of the artist and the year of creation but also offer context regarding their origins, materials, and the museums or collections from which they were taken. This collection of stolen art represents some of the most significant works in the art world, emphasizing the tragic loss…-
127.1 K • Ongoing
-
- 1 2 Next
